Home is where the ass is
They say “home is where the heart is”. However, for Rafa, home seems to be where his now “famous ass” leaves butt-prints on the clay. The ass has graced the clay of the centre courts of Monte Carlos, Barcelona, Rome and the French Open, 2 years in a row. He has a 62 match winning streak on clay, which includes 2 slams, 4 masters series and one 5 set victory over Roger Federer in Rome.
This is also where Rafa defends most of his points, and where he will face the most pressure. However, Rafa will no doubt love to be back at home, and will relish the challenge. And to steal a joke from Barry Cowan commentating on Sky sports: “The reason Toni wasn’t in Miami, is because he was too busy drawing out all the clay court drills that Rafa will have to do.” (aaahahah….. hilarious.) This got me thinking, how well will Rafa adapt to clay from hard courts, according to our loyal, devoted, awesome, great, funny and intelligent members of our forum. (Yeah, I’m sucking up, but I’m running out of things to say, can you blame me?)
Daisy thinks that: “Provided the foot holds up I think he'll slide about beautifully in Monte Carlo. His instinctive play comes to the fore and the joy of playing where he feels most confident Saw him in Rome 2005 and he was outstanding. Full of life, vamossing like mad, jumping and turning in the air to celebrate points and with fantastic support from the Italian crowd. I will never, ever forget how exhilarating it was!”
Lillian's summary: “we know the 'mentality' is right, that is one of the reasons why we are all here and if the physique is good, then this clay season should culminate in deserved success and what's more, lead into another great 'go' on grass.”
Tania's view: Rafa knows clay is foot friendly, so he will play with his heart, no holds barred.
Cautiously optimistic was Arual: I think winning in Indian Wells and reaching the quarters of Miami will have given him great confidence so that when he reaches the clay again he will have the knowledge that he has been playing well and he will be able to go out and play his natural game on his favourite surface.
In terms of winning I think this year could be the toughest for him to remain unbeaten as there are certain players on the rise who he will have to overcome and there is the issue of his foot which I really hope will be okay.
Obviously only time will tell how he does, and if he can live up to the expectations for another year. However, I know one thing for certain, and that is I hope he packs extra piratas and toothpaste, to cover for all that falling on his butt in victory and trophy biting he’ll be doing in the next few months.
