Roger or Rafa? Australian Open Predictions

The 2011 tennis season is upon us, with the start of the Australian Open! There are a lot of good contenders on the mens' side, with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal leading the pack. But Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Novac Djokovich and Robin Soderling can't be discounted yet. Still, the number one (Nadal) and number two (Federer) in the world are the two to beat.

I can tell you that if t-shirt sales are any indication of fan favorites, one of these t-shirts sells better than the other. Can you guess which? (answer below)


Vamos Rafa With Flag of Spain by greenbaby
Team Roger with Swiss Flag by greenbaby


the winner? RAFA!

Who's Dressing Rafa Nadal?

Yipes. Is Nike responsible for this atrocity? I guess I can forgive the t-shirt, although it looks uncomfortably tight at the neck, and makes Nadal look like Dennis the Menace. I actually like the color on Rafa, he looks good in hot spicy tones like this. But the shorts? Eek. There's what looks like a windowpane check to them, in yellow, and man, that is UGLY. And then there's the question of the headband and one wristband being a sort of peachy color that might match the stripe of the shirt, when he's not sweating. But the headband goes red, and the stripe goes dark, and nothing matches, once it all gets wet.

One wonders, did Rafa put his foot down and insist on only ONE pink wristband?

We love him, anyway! And we'd love to see him in this:

Vamos Rafa With Flag of Spain by greenbaby
Browse Tennis T-Shirts

Viva Rafa! Rafael Nadal Wins Wimbledon

You must know by now that I'm a Roger Federer fan. But I have to say BRAVO to Rafa Nadal for that incredible Wimbledon victory. This match was so close that in the end, after 5 hours, the difference was 5 points - Federer won 204 points, Nadal 209. And unbelievably, the match was actually closer than that. And can I add, both men were complete gentlemen after the match. Federer is a paragon of grace and graciousness, and Nadal was humble in victory. Just a beautiful beautiful match, and one that it's a shame anyone had to lose.

I continue to get requests for "Where can I get official Wimbledon towels, t-shirts, teddy bears?" And the answer is that you can get them only at the official Wimbledon shop.

But here are some great tees you can buy from CAfepress and other places, to celebrate Nadal's victory, and perhaps to wear to the US Open in September, when these two great champions are bound to meet again:

Viva Rafa in Spicy Colors $22.00

Viva Rafa Fitted T-Shirt $23.99

I Love Rafa Women's Light T-Shirt $22.99

VAMOS! Tennis Fitted T-Shirt $21.99

I Love Rafael Nadal T-Shirt This is a High Quality I Love Rafael Nadal T-Shirt.

Vamos! Tennis Women's Dark T-Shirt VAMOS! Tennis

I'm worried about Roger Federer! Check out this Getty Images photo. Look at the right hand (the raised one) in this picture, taken on July 2, 2008 - does that look like a huge blister or something to you?

I'd sure love to see Federer win Wimbledon again. It's nothing against Rafa Nadal, it's just that I love watching Federer play. Nadal is muscle, Federer is grace.

Here are some cool autographed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal items available on the web, including signed Federer tennis racquets!

Roger Federer Signed Nike White Headband Using a black marker Roger Federer has hand signed this white Nike swoosh bandana next to the blue swoosh. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Roger Federer Signed Blue Nike Headband Using a black marker Roger Federer has hand signed this blue Nike swoosh bandana directly above the white swoosh. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Roger Federer Signed Game Model Tennis Racquet Using a blue marker Roger Federer has hand signed this game-model Wilson tennis racquet on its grip. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Roger Federer Signed Wilson US Open Tennis Ball Using a blue marker Roger Federer has hand signed this official Wilson U.S. Open tennis ball. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Roger Federer Autographed Tennis Ball Shadowbox "This unique piece of memorabilia comes with a Signed Tennis Ball, a plaque with player info and an 8 x 10 Glossy Photo. We have used the highest quality framing to enhance the beautiful piece. Comes with an Ace Authentic Hologram and Certificate of Authenticity to protect your investment. The frame is solid wood with a mahogany finish. 15 1/2"" x 25 3/4"" x 3 1/4"". "

Roger Federer - 3 Time US Open Champion Collage - Autographed 16x20 Photograph " Number one seeded Roger Federer has hand signed this 16x20 photograph of him walking on to the court with his equipment. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included. "

Steiner Sports FEDERAS000000 Roger Federer Autographed Game Model Tennis Racket Using a blue marker, Roger Federer has hand signed this game-model Wilson tennis racquet on its grip. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Steiner Sports FEDEJES000002 Roger Federer Autographed Nike Purple Stripe Game Model Shirt Using a blue marker, Roger Federer has hand signed this Nike purple-stripe game-model shirt. A Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Rafael Nadal - 2006 French Open - Framed Autographed 20x24 Photograph This very limited piece showcases the great Rafael Nadal. It features an original autographed photo of Rafa winning the 2006 French Open. This is a limited edition of only 50 pieces. This is a limited edition of only 50 pieces. We have used the highest quality framing to enhance the beautiful piece. We have included an Ace Authentic Certificate of Authenticity to protect your investment. The frame is solid mahogany wood. Photo is 20" x 24." Framed Piece measures 30" x 34." ITEM USUALLY SHIPS IN APPROX 7 TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS

Rafael Nadal Autographed Tennis Ball Shadowbox "This unique piece of memorabilia comes with a Signed Tennis Ball, a plaque with player info and an 8 x 10 Glossy Photo. We have used the highest quality framing to enhance the beautiful piece. Comes with an Ace Authentic Hologram and Certificate of Authenticity to protect your investment. The frame is solid wood with a mahogany finish. 15 1/2"" x 25 3/4"" x 3 1/4"". "