“So what are you going to do next, French Open Champ and new World No. 1 Rafael Nadal?”
Vamos to EuroDisney, of course! Rafa posed with La Coupe de Mousquetaires and his fellow Incroyables on Monday, before heading off to the Queen’s Club, London, to get grooving on the grass. Just a typical day, no?
This video cracks me up – especially the rats in the background:
Some more photos of Rafael Nadal hobnobbing with Disneyland’s stars:
Rafa’s said that he doesn’t want the French Open to move from Roland Garros, even though his beloved Disneyland Resort in Marne-la-Vallee is a possible venue.
Of course, Rafa’s work is also his play, so it was back to the practice courts almost immediately. After the photo shoot outside Paris, Rafael Nadal was off to London and the grass courts of Queen’s Club.
Via the AEGON Championships website:
Barely 24 hours since lifting his fifth Roland Garros crown at the French Open on Sunday, the new World No.1 Rafael Nadal arrived in London for the AEGON Championships on Monday, and promptly started practising on grass, in the pouring rain.
The Spaniard was mobbed by hundreds of adoring fans when his car pulled up at The Queen’s Club. In the locker-room he was greeted with handshakes, pats on the back and even a small round of applause by the other players. Then he got ready to practise.
Moments later the weather, which had remained dry throughout the day, turned. Rain started falling, play on the Centre Court was suspended and a practice-session seemed impossible. Even the tennis nets were taken down.
Nadal wasn’t worried. He just picked up his bag and made for the practice courts. Head Groundsman, Graham Kimpton, who has worked at The Queen’s Club for more than 20 years and gets on famously with the players, was there. “You don’t want to play, do you?” Kimpton asked, bemused. Nadal smiled, and nodded.
Kimpton laughed, and immediately ordered his team to put the net back up. The rain continued, but Nadal found his rhythm within seconds, swiping violent forehands and backhands at his hitting partner.
You know it’s the grass court season when you know the names of the grounds people.
Rafa starts his grass court campaign on Tuesday, when he pairs up with fellow Indian Wells doubles champ, Marc Lopez, to play Rainer Schuettler/Janko Tipsarevic. On Wednesday, he plays his first singles match against Brazilian Marcos Daniel.
Thanks to GTT reader Judy for the heads up!
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