Big shirt, big game, I s'pose.
After sweating buckets (he reportedly lost 2.5 kilos in his last match vs. Tomic) Rafa came out in what can only be described as a tent-like-kite-thingy (that's a technical term) and played his best match in Melbourne, bouncing a frustrated Cilic, 2 4 and 3. He's lucky it wasn't a windy night, I swear he would have flown around the court like that flying squirrel in those Optus commercials.
Rafa said that he finally felt 100% physically and he was less tired and sweaty this time around. Good news for Rafa, bad news for the field and all the ladies (and boys) who like to see a greased up, clingy, shirt-changey Rafa.
Speaking of which...
Q. Do you find it distracting when everybody is calling out, I love you, Rafa?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, I feel fantastic (laughter).
Q. Are you able to block it out?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, I heard everything. But is nice (smiling).
Q. What about when the girls whistle at you and take pictures of you when you're changing your shirt?
RAFAEL NADAL: That's a very good feeling (smiling).
Q. Could you tell us more about this Armani campaign? Was it a good experience? What do you think of the pictures?
RAFAEL NADAL: Was a long experience, but very good experience, no? Is always nice to know different worlds. The fashion world is something that I didn't know before.
Yeah, was a good session of photos, long one. But hopefully the result are satisfactory, so... I worked very hard, seriously (laughter). So, yeah, was nice. A different experience and I enjoyed.
Q. Do you find you sexy on the picture?
RAFAEL NADAL: I'm not the right person to say. I always watch myself so so. But what do you think? Do you like it?
Q. Yeah, I do.
RAFAEL NADAL: I happy if you like it (smiling).
The hilarity of the exchange simply does not translate in black and white. Here's hoping video of the preser makes it online. The boy was in a good mood and absolutely flirty.
Next up, Daveed, who needed four sets to get by the jaw-droppingly impressive Milos Raonic. Everyone loves a little Armada on Armada action, especially between those two grinders.
(Pic: Getty)
