Bleacher Report - Articles by Jade Pearson

Rafael Nadal Wins The US Open To Complete Golden Slam

Jade Pearson — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:49 -0400

At last, Rafael Nadal has won the US Open, beating Fernando Verdasco 6-7, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, and 16-14 in a championship tie-break.

As he won match-point, Rafael collapsed on the ground in delight and disbelief. Rafael then went to the net to give, Verdasco who had dissolved into tears, a hug and they walked off the court with Rafael's arm still around Fernando's neck.

The press caught up with him outside the locker room chatting to his good friend and fellow tennis player Carlos Moya. When asked to describe his feelings after the match, a smiling Rafael had this to say.

Question: Rafael can you describe your feelings after finally winning the US Open?

Rafael Nadal: Very happy, no? It was a tough match, but very happy to have won the match, no?

Question: Fernando seemed quite upset after the match. Have you spoken to him yet?

Rafael Nadal: Yeah, we spoke after the match in the locker room and he said he'd get me back next year in Wimbledon.

Question: What are your thoughts about Roger Federer's defeat to your doubles partner Marc Lopez in the Quarter Finals?

Rafael Nadal: For sure was a surprise, no? It was never a problem for me as both are really good players.

Moderator: No more questions.

Rafael Nadal: Thank you.

So, finally, Rafael has won the US Open a title, which he will cherish like all the other Grand Slam titles he has and will have in the future.

Rafael Nadal & Real Madrid What Might Have Been

Jade Pearson — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:47:44 -0400

He makes no secret of his love for the team and his passion for the game but just what exactly would have happened if Rafael Nadal had chose to play football instead of tennis ? Would he be one of Spain's finest players like his uncle Miguel Angel who played for Barcelona , Real Mallorca and represented Spain in the World Cup. While it isn't exactly the same as they play two totally different sports Rafa felt a strong sense of pride leading Spain into the Davis Cup Final and i have a feeling his uncle Miguel would feel the same leading the football team to victory in the World Cup .

It was Rafa's dream as a child to play for his heroes but by the age of twelve he decided to turn his back on that dream of ever making it as a professionalfootballer in favor of making it big in tennis and ten years after making that decision Rafa is now World No1 in tennis and a world superstar and despite this rapid rise in fame Rafa has not forgotten his roots and still lives with his parents and sister in Manacor where he grew up .

Is Rafael Nadal The Greatest Claycourt Player Ever ?

Jade Pearson — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:22:52 -0400

Over the last four or five years there have been questions over whether Rafael Nadal is in fact the greatest clay court player of all time, or whether that title still belonged to Swede Bjorn Borg.

Whilst there is no doubt that Rafa is gaining fast on that title, whether he is actually the greatest clay player of all time is still in question.

Thanks to Rafa's shocking loss at Roland Garros three weeks ago, some people might have made the assumption that Rafa is not yet the King Of Clay, as many are already calling him.

Whether it is right to make such an assumption is unknown. Some argue that having six Grand Slams at 22 is a massive achievement, especially since arch rival Roger Federer only had one at the same age.

Big Question In Tennis Will Rafa Play at Wimbledon ?

Jade Pearson — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:36:48 -0400

There are two questions on every tennis fans' lips right now and they are Will Rafa play at Wimbledon ? and if not (God forbid) Will Federer regain the title and the No.1 ranking ?

In the coming days and weeks the suspense will be over as Rafa will be going to London on the 16th of June and only then will he and his team decide if he will play or not. If not that might just give Andy Murray a chance to get to the semi's at least or perhaps the final but who knows ?

One things for sure if Rafa does decide to play he will be determined to retain the title he fought so hard to win.

This is my first article so i would be thankful to hear your thoughts thanks