Rafa Nadal

[sapelesam]

Having just watched this epic Nadal Muller match on my laptop, telly blew up, I was appalled at what a bad loser Nadal was. Hanging around afterwards to milk the support that Muller deserved. Pretending to be waiting for Muller and then staying behind to give autographs when Muller had gone. He then walked off with a fan's pen and then just dropped it. At least we won't have to watch his abhorent tic's that have developed over time, that and his ridiculous two towels. Good riddance.

[-SharonA-]

He needed and wanted to win in order to create more records. I guess he was very disappointed.

[goodgoalie]

I think his OCD has got so bad (he goes through his little rituals when waiting to receive serve, as well as before serving himself) that it has begun to get in the way of him playing as well as he otherwise might. I got so fed up that I kept changing channels when he was serving, and eventually missed the end of the match.

[sapelesam]

I was reluctant to say OCD as that is a very serious mental illness. This is not a criticism of you goodgoalie, just a general thought on people who say they are a little OCD when what they really mean is anal.

[choux]

I take it you don't like Rafa then? Pity you posted as you did sam as you may have spoiled it for others. It is generally perceived as good manners for losers and winners to leave the court together and I thought it was good of Nadal to give any autographs as he was obviously disappointed at the result. I saw him drop the pen but at least he didn't walk off with it! I am not surprised he takes 2 towels on court - he sweats profusely. Enjoy the rest of The Championship :)

[goodgoalie]

I noticed the guy Murray was playing had the quickest preparation for his serve I think I've ever seen: one bounce of the ball, then WHAM

[Cloverjo]

I like to watch players who are quick between points, like Federer. Nadal has always driven me mad with his twitches and rituals, and now two towels - no need for that, no one sweats so much that two towels are needed to mop it all up.

However, I think he knew that most people wanted to see him, not Muller in particular, so he stayed to give autographs. I can't fault him on his graciousness when he loses.

[-Talbot-]

Didn't you get the memo sapelesam?

You have to wait at least 3 days after an event before you can mention the result in an OP.

[anneasquith]

Its etiquette that both players leave the court together, in actual fact he was very patient waiting on muller,he was gracious enough to sign autographs considering he had just lost an excellent game of tennis from both players .

[Cloverjo]

I do like to see the losing player wait to walk off with the opponent. Too often they stomp off as soon as they can and ignore autograph seekers.

However, I remember a match which Serena Williams lost. Her opponent was basking in the glory of winning on Centre Court but Serena hurried her off by saying "I'm waiting for you, shall we leave now?" so the woman had to hurriedly pack her things away so Serena could show what a good sport she was by leaving the court with her. :/

I am not a Nadal fan, but I have to admit he is always very gracious in defeat.