Rafa’s Missing Trophy

Four years on from his triumph at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, Rafael Nadal received a replica trophy from tournament director Raul Zurutuza Monday at The O2. The Spaniard dropped just one game as he defeated countryman Albert Montanes to win the ATP World Tour 250 tennis tournament in February 2005 – one of a staggering 11 trophies he claimed that season – but then left the trophy behind in a taxi in Mexico City!

Upon receiving the trophy, Rafa joked: “I will make sure I won’t lose it this time!”

Can’t Have It All…

The O2 venue has been a huge hit with fans and players alike and the huge indoor venue has been one of the few places in England this week where fans have been able to stay dry in a wet November.

Bar the odd (or frequent!) rainy day, when they come to Wimbledon in June-July, players can expect sunshine and mild temperatures. Not so in November, and those brought up in a Mediterranean climate have taken some adjusting.

Rafael Nadal has been very impressed with The O2 and the support he receives from the British fans, whom he regards as some of the best in the world. “I think the atmosphere was unbelievable. The tournament is doing a good job. All the time the court is full, so that's very nice for the tennis, that's very nice for the players, very nice for everything. The conditions are good.”

There’s just one thing that could be improved upon, according the Mallorcan: “Only the weather conditions can improve. Doesn't affect the game (smiling).”

Writing in his blog for The Times, Rafa exclaimed “It is freezing!!! Today it was very windy and when we got out of the boat that takes us to and from the arena it was really, really cold!”

“Rap-Star Andy!”

Andy Murray has hidden talents it seems. Not content with reaching dizzy heights in tennis, the Scot is taking on the music industry after being persuaded by the Bryan Bros. Band to lend his vocals to a track on their debut album 'Let It Rip'.

On the track ‘Autograph’, World No. 4 Murray raps: "During Wimbledon it really gets crazy. My hand cramps up and my mind gets hazy. I sign and sign but the line doesn't end. Wake me up tomorrow and let's do it again. Autograph."

Murray tweeted: “Did some rapping on the bryan bros new song u can buy it on i tunes called autograph I'm awful haha.”

To download the track, click here.

Check out the Bryan Bros band web page here.

Ljubicic Stops By To Meet Fans

Ivan Ljubicic, the second alternate for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals eight-man field, stopped by the Enel stand on the first concourse on Monday evening to sign autographs for fans awaiting the singles match between Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko.