Comments on: Talking Sport: Rafa in the Twilight Zone

By: Colleen Lyons

Colleen Lyons — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:40:17 +0000

Apropos of nothing other than I am applying for an Ian Axford Fellowship so that I can come to New Zealand to work on policy and enjoy people who, like myself, give creedance to full moons, blue moons and great sportsmanship. Wish me luck!

By: Luka

Luka — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:46:21 +0000

Sorry, my English is not so good. . . but, anyway, I think Rafa Nadal is the most attractive figure of world tennis, he makes tennis attractive: he is not only a clever player or just a strong guy, but he has big heart, he is sensetive, and he seems to be a very gentle person. He is going through difficult period of his life and career, but who does not? Life is never stable: sometimes you just need to work hard and wait for success for a while. Nadal’s problem, of course, is physicall one, but, maybe he needs not only a good professional treatment, but, also some changes: maybe it’s better to stop taking part in a numerous competitions and have an own strategy? or maybe he needs some refreshment in his team? Everyone should be open to changes, because, usually, they help a lot! I think he needs strong people around himself, people who are able not only to support, but to make him mentally and emotionally stronger as well. If there is no other way, then, yes, he has to think again about the wisdom of playing through the pain – he must do it, because he really is a “people’s” champion.

By: Sasha

Sasha — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:57:02 +0000

Thank you, thank you for this thoughtful article, for its sensitive treatment of Rafael Nadal, who is the reason I became really interested in tennis. While of course I knew about Roger Federer, I was not drawn to watch him. Mainly, because he always won, and once I had seen his game (which is brilliant), well, I had seen his game. Sure there were some good matches, but not too much going on unless you were a tireless Federer fan. But Nadal – this was something altogether different. His style of play was in sharp contrast to Federer’s and he had Fed’s number. And yes, he had a great mental game – that play every point mentality, that belief. And he was a thoroughly decent, modest and kind guy. And through the years, with all the titles and fame, he appears to be unaffected – he is a “people’s” champion. He was (and is) a great role model. I do hope that his career continues, because the sport is diminished without him.