rafa nadal fashion icon

Nadal is featured in NY Magazine's fall 2008 issue. Article here! I can't decide if Rafa's smile is heartwarming and genuine or just downright freaky.

safe...for now

After a series of losses, it looked like Federer would add another to his list today at the Cincinnati Masters. TMF was 2 points away from a straight set loss to Robby Ginepri, but he won the match 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), 6-0.

For now, he is safe from losing the crown to this man:

Yet, despite this (imminent) change in rankings, it's admirable to witness the respect the two have for each other.

Federer on Nadal: "I focus on big picture, prepare well and try not to go crazy over the ranking. I know there's a lot of talk about it now, and Rafa does deserve the credit."

Nadal on Federer: "Every player wants to be No. 1, no? I would love to be No. 1, but I am No. 2 right now," Nadal said. "I'm very happy to be No. 2. Because with my titles, with my points, in a normal situation I, well, would have been No. 1 before. So I think I have to be happy, very happy anyway if I am No. 1 or No. 2. Because if I am No. 2 it's because in front of me there is amazing player like Roger."

Personally, even thoughI'm an "unconditional" fedophile, I like Rafa and his endearing "no?"s.

and a shoutout to my readers: steve g, sanjeet, and bored annie who reads this blog even though she knows nothing about tennis.

the roger rafa rivalry (whoa alliteration)

Their rivalry permeates beyond the parameters of the court to pose this question: who is hotter? Here's the verdict according to Playboy posing Ashley Harkleroad in an interview with espn.

ESPN: And finally, who's hotter: Federer or Nadal?

AH: That's another tough one. I've never been a huge fan of Nadal looks-wise; I'd probably go with Federer. The other thing with Federer is, he's so nice. He always—OK, maybe not always—talks to me when we're at an event. Last spring I had ovarian cyst surgery, and he was so sweet to me when he saw me, asking me how everything was. He's a great guy and yea, a little better looking than Nadal.