Well, as Fed as his own worship thread, it's high time that Rafa had his own appreciation thread!! :ok:

Ok it's not a worship thread, but I think that the wording of that is based on the 'fed-worship' thing that used to happen on the beeb..

Anyway, I want to add my tuppence' worth to kick this off, firstly with some thoughts of my own, and then follow it with an article that I read today about the Wimbledon final on Sunday, admittedly about both finalists, but very much including a few things that mentioned what I wanted to articulate about Rafa.

I think that Rafa is deserving of his ever-growing fanbase, which will hopefully have grown in numbers hugely following Sunday's amazing match. Over the last 2-3 years, he has been more than doing his part to raise the profile of men's tennis higher than it has been for many many years. There are so very few players for whom this can be said, and it really cannot be underestimated.

He has the world record for number of weeks at number 2. His dedication to the game is exemplary, whether in terms of fulfilling his obligation to the game as an ambassador, or his determination to make the best of his ability. He is only 21, and yet he his progress from being mainly a clay courter to being more of an all-court player has been nothing short of astonishing. It has been hugely rewarding to view his progress and see the results of all of his hard work. His weaknesses had previously been his serve and netplay, both of which have improved enormously. He has a deft touch in terms of drop shots, lobs and half volleys that are all too often overlooked.

I am hesitant to mention a certain R Federer in this post, but it really is the case that they are becoming inextricably linked as players, just like Sampras and Agassi, Borg and MacEnroe. they are far more similar than people realise, and are both a credit to the game. They are good for each other's games too. They are making each other better players, and it has been a real privilege to watch them battle with each other. Their attitude to each other is just wonderful. Huge amount of respect for each other both on and off court, but when playing will not give an inch and will fight for every single point, putting everything out there. It makes for great cinema box office, watching the two titans of men's tennis battle it out. And we, as spectators are indeed lucky to witness this.

Rafa is a fantastic tennis player, a true warrior of the game, playing with passion and a real love of the tennis. For this, he deserves the utmost appreciation and respect..

So Rafa... :bow: :bow: :bow:

No losers in Federer and Nadal's final

By Sue Mott
Last Updated: 12:57am BST 10/07/2007

Let that majestic Wimbledon men's final be the death knell of all those pettifogging protectionists who think competition is bad for the soul. How pathetic such sentiments seem when you see the height of greatness reached by two inspired athletes, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, when pitched against each other in their prime. In their respective wills to succeed, and vast mutual respect, each made the other a finer player.

The result was awesome. Like a scene from a sci-fi superhero romp, they scarred each other with mortal blows but recovered, healed in the instant, to deliver a strike more powerful. If they ever turn the match into a comic strip, the bubbles of "Pow!" and "Kaboom!" would swarm all over the print.

Such things were possible, not because both were full-time winners but because they know and despise the pain of losing. Federer, in his teens, was a monstrous little tantrum-thrower, so much did he abhor the signs of his own imperfections. The mere glimpse we had of that interior passion, when he bad-mouthed Hawk-Eye at the end of the fourth set, demonstrated a rage that he has controlled but never expunged.

He learned to disguise it in a gold-trimmed jacket and (nearly) indissoluble calm, but its existence allowed him to face the prospect of defeat by the Spaniard, his young tormentor, on the very brink of history and overturn that fate. To watch him crumple to the grass, his face an agony of relief, in overwhelming, shoulder-shaking tears, after his conversion of match point, was to see a sportsman who had given everything for that forever-treasured moment.

And Nadal, with that sweet thought-betraying face, fighting so gallantly on the surface he once distrusted: the hardest heart must wish him the future joy of holding the trophy that Federer, for now, calls his own.

You want to grasp the wrist of the so-called educationalists who pronounce that children may not put up their hands to answer questions because it might crush the quivering esteem of the don't-knows, haul them through the Fred Perry Gates and sit them on Centre Court, having loosened their stiff-backed, pious certainties with a fortified Pimm's. Then say: "That is what you are denying the next generation: victory and defeat. They are the inevitable results of aspiration. And look, you have nothing to fear in such striving because in victory there is magnanimity and in defeat like this there is only glory."

Nadal was not broken by this loss in five sets. If anything, his reputation was enhanced. He managed a smile on court and deferred to the greater man on the day. Federer was not an arrogant winner. He seemed humbled by the enormity of the event, the prowess of his rival, the making of history and the burden of achieving it under the watchful eye of the man whose extraordinary record he was trying to equal, Bjorn Borg.

When sport provides us with such an example as this, it is simply perverse to look the other way and dim the lights on competition. If you fail to aspire you will fail to achieve, and end up in the soup of mediocrity. Who lost? Not the men who played the game, not the crowd who watched it, not the millions at home who watched on television in preference to rock stars "saving the earth" by spending its resources more profligately.

The memory of Wimbledon 2007 was rescued beyond doubt by this final. It was an exquisite climax to a wretched fortnight almost made comatose by cumulonimbus. Nothing happened day after day. Snatches of matches came on and off court. Federer went on a five-day holiday. Nadal played a five-day match. Neither moaned. They arrived at their final ready. Champions do not stoop to excuses. They played, a man won, a man lost and a damn fine match it was. They were the history boys, we were the audience, and there was not a loser among us.

One man understood the lesson. Andy Murray looked, marvelled and learned. "Seeing a match like that motivated me not just to try to win Wimbledon, but to work on getting my game to that level," he said. "It makes me want to go out and practise right now."

If only that lesson could be absorbed more widely.

Hear Hear!

What I specially like about him is (not just those great arms :lol:) but his approach to grass. He knows that he reigns supreme on clay and that grass is not his strong point, but he has never taken the "Grass is for Cows" attitude.

This is nothing but Fed followers patronising Rafa. We will came here the next time Rafa dispatches Federer and I will then count the number of you giving praise.

:chesire:

I must say, I was really impressed with Rafa at Wimbledon this year. He had a much tougher draw than last year, and still not only made it to the final, but came pretty close to winning it. In fact, he broke Rogers serve more times than he lost his own serve by 4 to 3. Fed just came through when it counted to hang on.

Really dumb comment,and especially so when you criticize one of the most fairest posters on the board.

Thanks Petalp for your efforts as usual,a high standard of posting. :ok:

Oh hush up - what a load of bunkum. There are many people who admire both players, and dont have a problem with doing so. The great thing about tennis is that you can appreciate many different qualities in many different players - and while you have a main one you support, there is no need to disparage others in the process.

I happen to think Rafa is a great player too - I loved how he adapted to grass so easily - I was amazed last year and thought he was even more assured this year - yet, I also love watching Fed and everything he offers the game. Its nothing to do with patronising anyone.

This is my thought on the matter of the young swashbuckling spainard.He is an essential part of creating tennis history.No era can be complete in tennis without a dual of epic proportions.These two certainly fit the bill.The artistic swiss versus the rampaging bull from Spain.

I have grown to really like Rafa,and I can admit I have never been a fan of claycourters.I just couldn't stand the endless pounding from 4 metres behind the baseline.
That's just me and my personality,expressive,and spontaneous,exactly what I like in my tennis players.
Nadal has managed to win me over by going out there and adapting his straight forward tactics and lacing them with subtle changes of strategy.

I really didn't believe one week he could play behind the baseline and then a fortnight later camp on the baseline like a brash Agassi swatting thumping forehand winners.
I must admit the rivalry that has emerged has been ignited,and I truly hope that now it stem across all surfaces.Enjoy it while it's here.

Federer and Nadal deserve equal credit as one without the other is a great player,but together fighting it out they become legends.

That's as poetic as I get about tennis. :bs:

I was chatting to my dad about wimby at the weekend, and my dad has NEVER been a fan of rafa, but told me he'd decided he liked him based on one incident:

In one of the many rainbreaks of Rafa's match with Soderling, the rain hit pretty hard and fast. Rafa went to grab his stuff and get off court as soon as possible, as did soderling. Soderling rushed off court, but Rafa - who by this point was absolutely soaked - stopped to sign autographs for people on his way.

My dad was so impressed that Rafa was so considerate of the fans that he stood there getting wet through, that he's become a big rafa fan :blink:

:ok:

before last year's final, I likened Rafa to a S American street gang member. After seeing the way he conducted himself after the match in the interview, I chnaged my view on him and genuinely think he will become a firm centre court favourite. This year di nothing to change my view of him. I enjoyed seeing Roger win, just because I like seeing that sort of record being equalled, however, I would have also enjoyed seeing Rafa win for exactly the same reason, holdng the French and Wimbers titles.

His time will come, I think Roger will be focused on getting 6 next year so may be tough to beat, but once he's done that, then Rafa's time will come

I credit Rafa for his tenacity and improvement on grass, but there is no way I want him to win Wimby when people like Fed are around. Grass is more abotu artistry, volleys, attacking net play. I fear that if Nadal and his likes take over on grass then tennis will become one homegenous lump and there will be little dfference in surface styles. The change in grass is partly to blame, it's supposed to be FAST as clay is SLOW, so why slow it down? I'm sure if we speeded clay up everyone woudl eb up in arms. :rolleyes:

Oh and I forgot to add - much as I respect Rafa and his own style which he is excellent at, I'd prefer to be seeing someone like Gasquet beign good enough to take on the Nadal role and have my Winby finals with 5 sets of exquisite flair and loads of winners. It was a good final, but I'd have loved to have seen different in term sof style.

Speaking of contrasting styles and 5 sets epics, Borg and Mac, Mac and Connors were more classic to me. And I prefered the less contrasting final of 2001, and nto just fo rtheir looks either :P Thsi final was close, but every set was not and there is no way anyone can say they scrapped over every last point.

I think even the most ardent Federer fan has to have a lot of admiration for Nadal after this years final. Not just for his performance in nearly beating Federer and winning the French-Wimbledon double . He's won a lot of hearts as well , I really warmed to him when being interviewed courtside by Sue Barker afterwards ,he simply said : 'I lost today ,no? '

Oh yes, I do admire him but I would prefer to see a different type of player put up a great fight with Federer. I think Nadal played a blinder, but for my personal viewing tastes I'd rather see another Fed type (impossible I knwo but ) or Gasquet,Henman, maybe even Grosjean beign able to keep up with the master. I know Henman and Grosjean can't but you know what I mean. :) As I say I respect Rafa's tenacity, and his improvement of his game, I cant say I've warmed to him in excessive amounts though, except I respect that he has tried to impove his volleys and net play and has improved dramatcally in 3 years. Trouble is though when you play him, you are not going to get as much opportunity to come in as I'd like to see in a grass court final cos he is just too powerful and quick at the back. When you had your old classics though like Mac v Connors, Connors wa not as quick or strogn so you got more chances fo rMac to attack. My onyl interest in tennis is as a spectator and that is what I like to see - my idea of entertainment. :D

I agree with that . The diversity of surfaces was probably at its greatest in the nineties .
Grass should be the fastest, its a tradition . Not that we shouldnt have baseline rallies there ,but it should favour the more attacking players.

Whatever, Chairman. I spend a good half an hour of my precious time writing just to patronise a guy who has won 3 French Opens, and also reached 2 Wimbledon finals at the age of 21?

Do you really think so? Perhaps not. Think again.

This was my signature for a good few months earlier this year:



And no, that wasn't patronising either. Dear oh dear.. :coffee:

Try reading posts first, eh?

Good post Brakkus! And thanks for your support in your earlier post too :)

I agree 100% about enjoying the titanic struggles that they have been having whilst they last. It also made me think back to Rome 2006 which was an absolute classic.

Your point about them fighting each other making them legends is absolutely true. Few people really talk about Borg's victory over Roscoe Tanner in his first SW19 final, just as people are less likely to talk about Fed's victory over Scud in 2003. However, the 1980 final against Johnny Mac is the stuff of legends, and the 2007 final is likely to be that way too. :ok:

My sentiments exactly. :D

We had baseliners when it was fast, I mean look at the great Chris Evert LLoyd and her rivalry with Navratilova was superb on grass. And of course Connors v Mac, great returner v great server, And Agassi and Sampras, although they did nto have such great matches there as I recall. In the past there was intrigue, now it seems almost inevitable that a baseline power hitter will win.

I knwo what you mean but this is the first big five setter in a slam so they need to do more to have a great rivalry IMHO. I do remember Tanner - was he the Cannonball kid? playing Borg. In fact i remember all the Borg finals. I wa sonyl a kid but I think Tanner had the curly Mac- esque hair and a huge serve, I'm sure my mum who loved Bjorn was shouting that Borg woud stuff that Mac lookalike tw*t or something at the time. She hated Mac, wheras my dad loved him. I grew up in a split household there! :D

Whilst I agree about this, there will occasionally be a player who bucks the trend of grass court play. Borg was one example who managed it. Lendl was another who got so close to doing it. Very few players who emerge on clay courts manage to succeed on grass, even if it is slower and more bouncy.

Yes, players that you wouldn't usually consider being that great on grass did well this year, e.g. JCF, Davydenko.. however, Rafa's achievements of battling through against Soderling and Youzhny, and overpowering Berdych are impressive any which way you look at it. Yes, grass doesn't favour those who prefer fast courts as much anymore, but it is still in their favour.

I thought that the semis were possibly an example of the shape of things to come, with Federer, Gasquet, Djokovic and Nadal as the final four. I saw that lineup and thought that it wouldn't get much better than that! I guess that it's a shame that the scheduling took its toll on Nole and Gasquet... but Rafa showed amazing strength and determination to get through, in spite of being one of the players at a biggest disadvantage with the scheduling.

Re: baseline hitting, the irony is that one of the best shots in the tournament imo was a diving halfvolley at the net by Rafa against Soderling (was amazing, Beckeresque!) and also Rafa was solid at the net against Fed (his backhand volley is very good, although I think that his grip might make problems with forehand volleys).

Anyway, as TeamJustine mentioned, he seems to prioritise Wimbledon over the US and Oz opens, and is determined to do well on grass. He's clearly been working on his serve and volley, and that can only be applauded. Not many other players are so passionate about SW19, particularly anyone whose strongest surface is clay. Quite a rarity, in fact.

I think that the head to head is something like 5-8 now, isn't it?

So.. early days yet, certainly in terms of slams, where they have only played each other 5 times.

They have played a few thrillers in other tournaments though.

There was Miami in 20005 where Fed saved match points in beating Rafa over 5 sets. Rafa of course returned the favour in Rome last year.

Dubai last year was a good battle where Federer started superbly and Rafa fought back brilliantly to prevail.

It's just that the standard of the tennis in these finals seems to be getting better from both players and it just seems to be such a battle when they do lock horns. Nothing to stoke the fires more in the men's game at the moment than a Rafa v Fed matchup (well apart from a Moya v Henman rematch!) :D

I think Nadal did suffer from the scheduling but really who didn't? On thing that went in his favour was fitness and being used to longer matches. I can't remember all the matches and but I think the Soderling one was broken up over days. Then there was Youzny, a 5 setter but am I right that Youzhny got injured? Djokovic was a bigger casualty in many ways as he played a 4hours plus match with Hewitt, and five sets with Baghi and did he play 5 sets elsewhere? Well he certainly had a huge match before the semis, whereas Nadal's was 3 sets with a Berdych who seemed not to show up. And Fed had 3 sets on the day before the semis also having already played one set. Gasquet got screwed over big time. He did not have more than 3 sets before the quarters, but gave his all in a 5 setter and he'd never won from that position before. Well, he would not have beaten Roger methinks but he only came off court at 8 pm and was back on at 12 next day. Ridiculous. :angry: Even Fed was not happy with that, he said Gasquet was so stiff in the locker room he could hardly tie his shoelace and that he had wanted Richard to be able to play his best, which he coudln't as he was exhasted. :(

I'm not a fan of Maya but that match with Henman - superb, all respect to Carlos :bow: I wish that had been a quarters match :D

Yes their rivalry may be improiving, I agree. Thing is the other non slam matches you mention are not what the average person gets to see and so far in GS finals they have only had this one realy dramatic and close match so to get legendary they need more at GS level. I'm dreadign next Wimby btw roflmao

Yes, the scheduling did affect many players, and I would add that it adversely impacted them both mentally and physcially. Several of them have mentioned how difficult it was mentally to keep coming off for rain, hand around in the locker room and keep restarting..

To that effect I would also give credit to Rafa's mental strength. A far cry from Berdych who seemed to throw in the towel.

Djoko did have a tricky draw. He beat Kiefer in 4 sets in R3 (incl 3 tie breaks), then Hewitt in 4 sets (another 3 tie breaks), then that epic match against Baggy.

The fact that the final was so memorable does gloss over the fact that the semis could also have been classics, had all of the players been able to rest more betweeen matches. Ironic that this has happened, when next year it actually won't be an issue with the new roof in place..

Yes, I must say Berdych was useless. :( I tlooked to me like he was trying to play Rafa from the back. :wacko: True, sitting round in the locker room for hours on end was no fun. I hear Roddick found that frustrating also, while Fed was on sightseeing trips or something :D I do think also that the long break of play affected Fed somehow - he wasn't as sharp in his quarter and he had little opposition in the semi. I know that is beter than being too stiff or injured to move of course, but do you think it may have left Fed a bit rusty?

On the roof - great stuff BUT the guys who don't get to play on centre stage all the time will suffer. I see it creating a disparity all of it's own, unless of course they use it to catch up and stuff rather than as a showcase for the stars. We shall see .....

You say that as if five meeting in slams is a small number. I certainly expect there will be more, but five times is quite a few. Sampras and Agassi only met nine times in slams, and that was over their entire careers, with something like 12 years between the first and last times. Of course, I'm probably, in a way, making the same point you were, that there rivalry needs to go on for a few years to really be one of the great rivalries of tennis history. But still five meetings in slams is more than half already of what Sampras/Agassi or Connors/Mac had in their careers.

This is off-topic, but I was looking up some h2h info on those guys, and if the data on the ATP site is accurate, I never realised how much similarity there was between those two rivalries.

Sampras v. Agassi:
Overall H2H record 20-14
Slam H2H record 6-3

McEnroe v. Connors:
Overall H2H record 20-14
Slam H2H record 6-3

Just to add further evidence,the Edberg and Becker rivalry is another that is fondly remembered.
The H2H is 25-10 in Becker's favour,but they only played three times in slams and that was only at Wimbledon.

Of course this rivalry took a whole career of both men to complete.

If Federer and Nadal play a few more classics then it will become stuff of legends.
However we remember the Borg-Mac rivalry really for 1980 final mostly and then Mac returning in 1981 to finally end Borg's wimbledon career.
That one only finished 7-7.

I guess the point I'm making is that rivalries are determined by the greatness of the matches between the players,not the actual number of meetings.

We will probably really appreciate it more when they are retired and nostalgia sets in.

Great thread, petalp.

I have always liked Rafa and supported him (even when some of his supposed "fans" were knocking him ... nudge nudge chairman ...)

I don't think I will ever enjoy his game as much as I do Fed's, but this final was awe-inspiring :bow:

And his clay season was great ... :bow:

We all have to remember that Rafa is on his ascent while Roger is at his peak.We will definitely see him win more than the FO next year for sure

I don't believe we know that at all. It's quite possible that both (or neither :shrug: ) will continue to improve.

Source: http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/

Rafael Nadal - Times Online - WBLG
Rafael Nadal blogs exclusively for timesonline.co.uk during Wimbledon fortnight. Tuesday, July 10, 2007

THE LAST ONE AT THE 2007 WIMBLEDON !!!

Hi everyone,

Where do I start? Or should I say finish? I suppose this is an end. An end to this diary that I have been doing since Wimbledon 2007 started. I could have done it yesterday night but I am sure you all understand that it was probably not the best thing to do.

A lot of people asked me why didn't I do the last one from Paris? The reason is obvious, we went out to celebrate and did not have time. After the end of the match I did not stop until we finished with the party. Here, today or yesterday it has been different.

I am not going to go into details, into what I felt, into my thoughts, into the whole thing. I am just going to say I have great memories of these 2 weeks. I think I improved, I learned things, I played good matches, difficult ones, and I got to the final again. What happened in the final has been already written a lot, analyzed and said. The only thing I am going to say is that I was sad, very sad to lose the final since I thought I could have won it. Roger is the best, we know that, but I had my chances yesterday. It's over now and it's better for me not to think about it anymore (but it is difficult!).

This is not a post to write about my feelings or about the match. I suppose this is what you all want to know. As I say I was sad, very sad, right after the match, but I have always said that I am also a good loser and forgets quickly. There are things in life, in the World we live in that are really bad and serious. To lose a match, even if it is the final of THE tennis tournament is something that only really affects me. And that's OK. I can cope with it. I will try again next year and I will work hard to keep improving.

I am writing or actually dictating this blog from home tonight. My real home in Manacor. Last night we just had a quite dinner my uncle Toni, his wife Joana Maria, my uncle Miguel Angel, Rafa Maymo, Benito and Tuts. That's it.

Simple, quite, easy. We talked a lot during dinner and watched some funny things and sports things in youtube. We remembered times of my uncle playing football, saw goals of great footballers, etc. Nothing special see? Probably a not happy night but that's OK. My father, mother, sister, Carlos Costa, ant Maria Magdalena and others went to the IMG house for dinner and to get little hours of sleep, We left London very early. It was planned like that.

Win or lose. I had a flight with my family booked at 6 am arriving at 9.15 am, so we left the house at 3.30 to the airport. Not much sleep but at least I was home early and have one more day of holidays. I will stay here and not play tennis until probably Friday.

So as a closing thing (sorry for this poor expression), I want to thank the people who helped me with this blog. Benito, my PR manager for helping me every day with it. Carlos Costa, my manager and friend, for giving me ideas and feedback from fans. The Times for hosting it and give me this space to write. I hope I was at the level required to write in it. Maybe I have a second career there in the future :-). Neil and James from the newspaper for moving it forward and specially, James, for the Gambas he sent us :-). And a very big special thanks you to all the readers of this blog and the people supporting me. I hear it's had a lot of people reading it so I am happy for that. Believe me that there were times I really didn't feel to write but I had the compromise and you have to honour them.

Thank you everybody.

Rafa Nadal

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Sunday, July 08, 2007

DID IT AGAIN. NOW A DREAM IS WAITING!!!

Hello everybody,

I know some people makes fun of this sentence I am going to say: "I am very, very happy". But the truth is that I am, very, very happy. Not sure that if someone would have told me some weeks ago, Rafa you will be playing on Sunday, July 8th in the Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, I would have believed it.

I knew I could have a chance, I knew that I was going to give it my all, but I also knew it was going to be very difficult if not almost impossible. On the other hand I also thought I would not be playing tomorrow in the final after all the rain... :-) Me nor any other player. Unbelievable how the weather has been and how it changed today.

It was the nicer day in London I have seen since I got here after Paris. And on this beautiful day I think I play not well. Novak played really good. He is very good, he is up there and I think he will be at the top one day.

I was happy on one hand to win, to do it fast, but at the same time sorry for Novak and also the crowd to see how the match went. It is not always nice to see someone has to retire. But I suppose that's also the competition. It is tough.

Today almost all my direct family was there to support me. My father and my uncle as I said yesterday came from Spain and so did my aunt, who is the twin sister of my uncle Miguel Angel (once again wrongly called the Beast of Barcelona, since he is not a beast and he is not from Barcelona... :-) Also Toni's wife and a couple of friends came. Obviously not all are at my home since we don't fit in all. But I guess you don't care much about this so I guess I would talk again about the gambas (shrimps) I had today... :-)

I am actually attaching a picture of the dinner tonight. It is me, Carlos, my uncle Miguel Angel, Tuts from Nike, Benito my PR manager and Rafa Maymo my physio. We all decided to stay at home and have dinner. The gambas was again a gift from James at the Times Online and now that I know it is him, I want to thank you again. They were really good and thanks to you I have changed my mind and I do say that you have great shrimps here to. Close to the ones we have is Spain... :-) Who knows they might have been fished there :-). Seriously thanks and we had a great dinner. I cooked the pasta and Benito the gambas al ajillo which is something very typical Spanish. Shrimps deep fried in oil with garlic.

Coming back to what this final is, and what it means I suppose I have to finish the tournament to really think about it well. To win Wimbledon would be a real dream that comes true.

But let's not get too excited. In front of me tomorrow I will have the best player ever and therefore the one you would not want to meet in a final of Wimbledon.

Regarding this blog, if I win tomorrow I won't have time to write it because with the media things to do and then the official dinner so I would not have time. And if I lose I will try it although I can't promise it. Not because I lost, but because I am sure we will do like last year and go out for dinner with all the family, friends and sponsors. I hear that we are 28 tomorrow, apart from me playing of course :-) I will write thought the final one tomorrow or Monday.

Anyway I have to than you all for the support you've given me these weeks here in the UK and let's see how it goes.

Thanks

Rafa

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Saturday, July 07, 2007

BIG TIME SEMI-FINAL

Hi everyone!!!

I am very excited to be writing this blog again and very excited to be doing it as the previous one to a big day. It is my second semi-final here in Wimbledon and I am very happy to be here. Things went very, very well today.

I woke up early. I think it was 5 am. Not that I was nervous, that I normally am, but because the light is so strong in the room I have and I forgot to put the mask (? Not sure it is the right word and we are too tired now to look for it). I am writing the blog at 11.30 pm and really want to go to bed.

But as I say I got up to get the mask and went back to sleep. I woke up, really woke up at 8.15 and went downstairs for breakfast. Since that other day that the milk was bad, I am very careful and double check it is good. I had a big bowl of cereals with milk mixed with chocolate. I normally read the press while having breakfast, well read the internet editions of the papers. I normally read the Spanish newspapers starting with the sports one, check what's up with tennis, see what's written, then go to the
football sections, etc. I like to see how the buys and sells of the teams are going now. Then I also look at the general interest newspapers to see how things are going around the world.

I left to the site a bit earlier than what I thought. I guess I was a bit nervous as usual or impatient and I preferred to get there early. I was there around 8.55 and ready to get my warm up. Carlos Costa stayed at the players reception to get sorted all the tickets and I got my warm up around 9.30am. Now towards the end of the tournament we get many more requests and today we had around 14 people that came from Spain. I had like 6 people of 2 of my sponsors here today. Some have been here the whole week like the guys from NIKE, Nico and Roy. Tuts, also from NIKE Spain, came today and also the big shots from NIKE USA are here. Also two from TIME FORCE, my watch sponsor, came from Spain. That together with some friends of my uncle Toni that came from Mallorca and the owner of the Spanish restaurant El Cambio de Tercio, Abel, and his girlfriend who also have been coming the whole week. Anyway lots of people around that I am very thankful to them.

Tomorrow I will also be supported by my father and my uncle Miguel Angel, the former football player that are coming tonight. They are getting in pretty late. I think they are scheduled to arrive at the house around 3am.

By the way, I hear that my uncle Miguel Angel is called here in the UK "The Beast of Barcelona". That's shocking since he was not the kind of player that used to be dirty. He was a defender but I think very elegant and technical. For some reason I don't know they call him like that here. Definitely not in Spain. But no worries, everything OK :-)

As I say this is my second semis here at Wimbledon and that makes me very happy. I think that semis is a good result already on grass but I will try as much and as hard I can to be in the final on Sunday. Don't take me wrong, I am not happy just with the fact of reaching semis. If you know me you know
I want more but if you take an objective look at this, it is a heck of a result. It is just amazing, it would be amazing for me if I can make it again. I know that tomorrow's match is very difficult.

See you tomorrow !!!

Rafa


02:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Email this post

Questions for Rafa

Will your book be translated in English in the future? Hope you win the tournament! - Lien, 11, Belgium

RN: I don't know to tell you the truth. I will check with my manager and let you know. Thanks for your support.

Hi Rafa. My name is Tomas and I'm 8 yrs old and am also a left-handed player and my mom says we have the same "culo". Who is the person you respect the most? And did you always want to be a tennis champion?

RN: Hi Tomas. Then you have a famous "culo" too!?!? The person I respect the most is my father. You should listen to your parents at that age. And yes, I always wanted to be a tennis player.

Hi Rafa. When you go out with your friends, do you like to get a bit drunk sometimes, or is that just a British habit? What's your favourite alcoholic drink? - Emma

RN: Hahahhahhahahahaa. I have had some drinks sometimes but never really drunk. I sometimes when celebrating can have a tequila or two (or 3) but I normally don't drink and don't like alcohol very much.

I would love to know what is the most unusual question you have ever been asked at a post-match press conference.....and what answer you gave to it! - Niamh, Ireland.

RN: I don't know, I can't think about it now. I did get some different ones in China during the Masters.

I heard that when you play you wear shoes a size smaller than usual. Isn't that agony? My feet have certainly suffererd over the years from stilettos! - Eileen, London

RN: No, I actually wear my shoe, my normal size. NIKE made some specials ones for me inside. But they are definitely my size.

Is there a reason why a player is given 3 balls before serving? And how do you decide which ball to reject? Is there any specific reasons for declining a ball? - Adam Philpott

RN: It doesn't need to be 3. It can be 4, 5 , 2 or just one. I just look for the 2 that are less used so that they are well to play.

Do you leap straight out of bed when you wake up, or do you lie in bed for a while? - Madeline, Sussex

RN: I tend to leap out when it is time to wake up.

Are you still watching Godfather? Do you mimic Marlon Brando? I do. :) - Cedrine, Uk

RN: No, we finished the other day. Too good!

Did the massage table broke because of the strong massage rafael give to you, or maybe because you eat too much nutella? hihihi :-) vamos! Giuly from Italy

RN: No, because the table got broken in one of the trips. Checking those things in, in the end they break. I have to buy a new one. I think I burn enough Nutella on court.

Have you ever played a match against uncle toni??? - Feli

RN: Long time ago!

What do you like to eat as a special treat? - Alma x

RN: I like when I am at home and I love seafood.

What 3 things would you take to the desert island? Muchas gracias! and good luck!! - Marina, Zaporozhye, Ukraine

RN: I just wouldn't go to a dessert island. I prefer my island: Mallorca.

Have you ever said anything to anyone and thought 'I wish I hadn't said that?' - Alma x

RN: I did, but I prefer not to repeat it.

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Friday, July 06, 2007

Questions for Rafa

Hey Rafa, is it true that you are right handed but chose to play tennis left handed? if so, why is this?? - Adam

RN: Yes, I am right handed but I also play football with my left foot. Strange, isn't it? I don't know the answer.

Dear Rafael, What is your favourite red wine from Spain Rafael? At least I could buy a bottle and drink to you with my friends when I will cook for them. - email

RN: I don't know much about brands but I enjoy from time to time one glass of wine.


Hello Rafa, just wanted to thank you for blogging to all of your fans! : o) What are four of your favorite movies and why? Good Luck at Wimbledon - Terri, Yucca Valley, Ca.

RN: Thank you for supporting me and for reading it. My favourite movie is Gladiator.

Hola Rafa. Have you timed yourself running a certain distance (even on a machine)? If so how far was it and how long did it take? And don't be modest! ;-) - Geoff, 19, London

RN: No, I haven't I don't like to run. Might sound funny to you.

Amazing comeback Rafa, this is your year! Did you tell yourself something after the second set that motivated you, or were the first two sets a fluke? - Phil

RN: No, I just had to keep fighting. He played great and I felt I could do more.

Was your uncle a professional tennis coach before he started coaching you and how old were you when you started playing - stella, chichester

RN: Yes, he was teaching in Manacor and also had played at a decent level in Spain.

Hi Rafa! Wow! What a fabulous match today! When you took off your headband, my sister said, I love his hair! Can you find out who does it? Thanks - nootie, ny

RN: No one in particular. Thanks for your note and say hi to your sister.

What do you do with all of your old rackets and tour bags after you've finished with them? thanks and good luck! - Ben

RN: I give them away at home.

Hello Rafa!! I´m a big fan of football! What do you thing about Fabio Capello's exit of Real Madrid? - Nono

RN: Difficult question to answer. We won the league it's all I can say since I wasn't there in the locker room and I don't really know everything behind.

Hey Rafito! When are you gonna send us one of your recepies for your famous fish or cake you have made - Ellie

RN: Not today. It is late and I wrote a quite long blog. Maybe another time. Sorry.

Rafa, how would you rate your right-hand tennis skills? - James

RN: Not too good.

At one point in your match against Youzhny did you think that you were going to lose to him? - Dria

RN: Almost but always still believed in winning.

I was wandering what the symbol on your shoe means? It looks like a bull or something. Thank you - Jessica

RN: Yes, it is a bull. Nike has design it for me since I like the symbol of my country.

Rafa, I hear you're a Formula One fan, what do you think about the Alonso v Hamilton battle at the moment? Gracias - Phil from England

RN: IT is great, don't you think. It is bringing a lot of excitement to the F-1 this year.

Hi Rafa, You have a huge gay fan base, especially in Sydney Australia! Are you flattered? :-) - Thanks, Mitchell, Sydney, Australia

RN: Thanks a lot.

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What a day - I thought I was heading back to Mallorca!

Well the first question I got in my press conference was about my feelings when I was 2 sets down. I was asked if I thought I would be going to Mallorca tomorrow. My answer was not tomorrow, already this afternoon. I mean, Youhzny was playing great, maybe I was not playing my best tennis but he was definitely playing great.

So I am happy I am writing this blog today. Anyway I would have written it because I will always write a closing one since I didn't do it at the French Open and some people told me about it. But it would have been almost my last one. Also people ask me about how can I do it, how do I manage to come back from 2 sets to love against a player who is playing great. And the answer is pretty simple: I just fight until the last point because there is always a chance to win. Fight, fight and fight. And today it was another example. I said it yesterday that it was going to be a very difficult match.

I am also getting a lot of questions about Berdych and how is it going to be after we played in Madrid and we had some problems. For me this something from the past. I congratulate him today after his match and also the other day when he came from winning Halle. So the past is forgotten and I know that tomorrow he is the favourite. We are playing again early, at 11 am.

That means that I have to wake up pretty early too and be on-site at around 9.30 am. This is one of the reasons, only one, why I prefer to stay here close to the tournament. I go walking to the site and it takes me 2 minutes to get there. For the players staying at the hotels in London, they have to come much earlier since they have that 30-45 minutes ride and by now, at the end of the tournament it is really important. I think I can get much more rest like this.

I also had someone from my team telling me that someone had mentioned to him that the Wimbledon organizers weren't too happy with what I said yesterday on my press conference. I don't think I said anything against them. I have always said that this is a great event, THE event, and that this is very important for me and for every player. But I suppose that it doesn't mean they do everything well. This event is run by human beings and in the same way I make mistakes on and off the court, I also think there have been some mistakes here. I don't think I should go back and tell what these have been but I don't think they should be upset with me if I say something like what I said about not playing on Sunday, making us go on court 15 minutes, the rain, etc. It is clear and obvious it is not their fault and that they don't do it on purpose. I hope this thing is clear since this, again, IS the tournament and I love it.

Anyway on a different note, I went back home after I worked with Rafa Maymo, my Physio at the tournament as I am doing this weeks. Normally I always go back to the hotel and work there with him (massage, etc.) but here we had to change plans. My massage table, the one we normally travel with broke and I fell. That was sort of funny. I fell on the floor while Maymo was working and thank God nothing happened. So for this reason we have been doing this work on-site rather than here at home. So I went back at 6, and stayed there. Time for chatting in the Internet and get ready for the cooking. I had asked Benito and Carlos who were going to have a drink at Wimbledon to buy some gambas and onions for the pasta. Suddenly a guy rings the bell of the house and gives me a big plastic bag with Gambas (Shrimps). I was surprised and did not know what it was. I just say thanks and was a bit surprised as I say, Then I heard when they were back and only brought the onions that the guys who came is someone who owns a fish shop (I don't think it is the right word, oh well), you know where they sell fish to eat, and also works for this newspaper. His name is James so I have to thank him for being so nice and bringing us those shrimps. They were really good and we enjoyed them very much. Benito says he owes you one, and I will make sure he pays you back :-)

Let's see tomorrow how it goes.

Hasta maniana.

Rafa.

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Thursday, July 05, 2007

Questions for Rafa

What are the first things you do when you come off the court into the locker room after winning a match? Thanks ! - Miranda, 17, Holland

RN: I normally try to sit down by the locker room and wait for my uncle and the rest of the team to come to the locker. There we briefly talk about the match, the things that went well and those who went wrong. Then I wait to go to press which I normally do, if everything is OK, 30 minutes after the match.

Everybody has weird dreams. Its maybe a strange question but, Would you tell me what your weirdest dream ever is? - Merle, The Netherlands

RN: No idea, believe me.


Would like to know, have you learnt any new English words or phrases recently? What are your favourites? - Best of luck, from Claire in Sussex

RN: Yes, I think I am improving specially when I talk about tennis. If I have to talk about other things and I am tired, it becomes like a nightmare. Really difficult.

Hola Rafa!!what do you think about the global warming? - Leonor,Portugal

RN: Doesn't look like we had it here this past week. Seriously though, I don't know much about it.

Hi Rafa, What is your best memory outside of tennis? - Rosselly Martinez

RN: There are many memories I have. Those are all with my family and friends and with football recently :-)

Is there anyone you particularly enjoy playing? - June

RN: Yes, there are always players that are easier to play against and those who always give me trouble. I am sure you can figure them out.

In terms of tactics, how do you prepare for a match? Do you use videos of your opponents? Does Tony advise you how to play next opponent? - German

RN: No, we don't use videos although I do watch a lot of them and sometimes I see other matches I played that I felt good and that I watch on DVD.

Have you ever tried banana with nutella? If you haven't, you must try it. What's your favourite way of eating it? - Pinar/Mara

RN: No, I have to try it but I think I'll wait till the end of the tournament. Thanks for the advice. I normally eat it with toasted bread or on cookies... I know..

What is the best birthday present anyone has given you and why was it so special? Many thanks!! - Haajira, 17, Seychelles Islands

RN: Every present is nice since someone gives it to you with love. My father gave me one this past time that I loved. By the way I have been invited to your islands by a friend of a friend of mine. Maybe I'll go there next year. We'll see.

Is Roger Federer as handsome as he looks on tv? Answer sincerely - Simona

RN: Hahahahhahahaa, I don't know. I really don't pay attention to that.

If you were the King of Spain for a day, what would be your first order of business? Thanks! - Tiffany, 14

RN: Well, I don't think I'll ever have that chance so I worry about things I can do and try to do them better.

I am a cricketer and totally understand your superstitions! We are very superstitious too. What would you do if an opponent knocked over your lined up bottles on purpose?? I think its a good tactic to beat you haha! Hope Roger Federer isn't reading this. - Vipul

RN: Absolutely nothing. Believe me. I have said it. I just like to do things in the same way but not for superstitions. If Soderling would have knocked down the bottles today I would have not cared.

I got up at 3.30am to queue to see you play at the Artois Championships this year and was fortunate to get a centre court ticket, but was surrounded by corporate guests who either kept disappearing, or talked during play. Do you agree more tickets should go to tennis fans? - Sunny

RN: Thank you very much for coming to see me. I am amazed by people like you. I leave up to the tournaments what they do. I am sure it is as difficult as to play. Sorry not to give you other type of answer, but let me tell you I enjoy people like you at tennis courts. Thanks again.

You are such a polite and respectful young man, so I have to ask you this question: What do you think of Roger's new handbag :))))) - Anna

RN: Roger has a handbag? I didn't know. I'll have a look at it tomorrow.

I know you are a huge fishing fan. Do you cook and eat them or throw them back in the river? - Ira-Rose

RN: We cook them and eat them. I hope this doesn't offend you. I really like fish.

07:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0) | Email this post

Finally, played the toughest one

Believe me I am very happy today. I thought this would never end and I also thought many times I would lose this match. After the third set tie break and everything that happened after that I really thought I would not pull it off. I have to say I am really, really happy. I had a lot of doubts, a lot of them but I managed to stay focused and with a lot of determination.

It was actually good I played first since I just wanted to get the job done and either rest or go home. I would have been very disappointed, but that's the reality. We spent so many hours in the locker room!!! I think I never spent so much time there before! Not a whole week of a tournament. Time really goes very slow.

Today I have also answered a lot of questions from the media at the press conference and then to the readers of this blog. I got a lot of questions about Soderling and I have been told he also got some during press. I don't know what to say, I may have gone too far with my comments to the media ... too many of my feelings today.... I am not a fake a guy. I am going to just leave it there. I went back home at around 5 and thought about the whole thing. Very unfortunate.

I went back home as I say at around 5 and spent some time at my computer. I chatted a bit with some friends, spoke over the phone with my father with whom I normally speak, got some Playstation done and went back to the kitchen to get some dinner.

So tomorrow I also have an early wake up call. Let's see how it goes. Youhzny is a very difficult player that has beaten me in very important moments.

Sorry for the very short blog, I'll try to improve for tomorrow's... :-)

See you

Rafa

07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0) | Email this post

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Questions for Rafa

Do you have any strange habits? - Cierra, USA

RN: I think some of them are quite evident. Right? I'll leave it there then. Too many otherwise. Trying to ge rid of them.

I want to know how you intend to beat Federer? – Julia

RN: First I have to win all the matches before. I hope I am in the position to answer that question on Saturday. Would love to.


Since all big points in a game are served into the advantage court, do you think left handers have an advantage in tennis? - Anthony

RN: No, I don't think so since there aren't that many players left handed on tour. There would be more if that was the case.


Dearest Rafa, as you are a very busy man,on a normal day what time do you wake up and go to sleep? - Jyoti Mann, 20, London

RN: It depends. Today I had an 11 am match so I woke up at 7.45. This is not normal. I usually go to bed at around midnight and wake up at 8 or 8.30.


Have lives of your mum, dad and sister changed much since you got famous? For example, can your sister live normally and have sincere friends as she would if she didn't have such like brother? – Rafaela

RN: No, it has not changed at all. We all live in the same place and conduct a normal living. Believe me this is completely true. She goes to school normally and I still have the same friends.

Does your sister Maribel do any sport? - Kiki

RN: I do it all for her I suppose. She does all the studying though... :-)

Why don't You shave lately ?:) - Asia, Poland

RN: I will soon.

I know you like to play golf, me too! What is your best score and are there any nice golf courses in Mallorca and where you live? Thanks - Nick

RN: There are many great golf courses. I play in Santa Ponsa many times and have a great time there.

What is your favorite joke? - Brooke, Los Angeles

RN: I don't have one. I do enjoy listening to them.

Hola, Rafa! Do you sing in the shower? What song would you sing at the top of your lungs if you think that no one's listening? - Des, Manila

RN: Hhahahahhaha. Yes I do sing and I sing a lot. It depends who I am listening to. I suppose it is a shower karaoke xhat I do with Mana, Alejandro Sanz, etc.



Hi Rafa, You mentioned in your Roland Garros Blog that there was a song you heard on the car radio that you thought was the best of the year, but you were not sure of the name. Have you heard it again, or figured out the name of it? - Cheryl, US

RN: Yes, I heard it once again but I still don't know the name. I need to find it out.

Hi Rafa, do you sometimes feel like the money you get from tournaments is just too much, compared to what millions of "normal" people will ever earn? Or do you think it is just normal considering all your work and your results? - Soraya, 19, France

RN: I think we get paid well as oher people get paid better or worse. If we produce this money why shouldn't we get well paid. Oher sports ge much better paid and I am not referring to myself, but to many other players on tour. This, anyway, is a very long argument.

How are you getting on with your boating qualification? When do you expect to be qualified? - Irene Marshall

RN: During this summer hopefuly.

Do you stay in touch with your school friends? - Tony

RN: Yes, my friends are still the same.

Rafa, I just wonder where do you find the motivation and the concentration to keep getting back on the court with all those rain interruptions? It must be very, very irritating. - Mircea

RN: Hi Mircea, nice name, by the way. Well it is difficult believe me but I guess we have to be more professionals than ever and so I juts think on what needs to get done. I think you found a good word: irritating.

Is this the most frustrating tournament you've ever played in? - Esther

RN: I would not say the most frustrating but probably the weirdest since it is not normal that a match that was supposed to be played on Saturday still has not been completed.

Do you think that the organisers should schedule you first in the morning to get this damn match finished? - Zach

RN: I guess it depends on the rain. If you think like this I should have played at 6am the last days. I heard it did not rain at those hours... :-)

Bonjour Rafa! Now please be honest and tell us how many jars of Nutella you have actually eaten since your arrival in London! ;-) p.s.: You’ve been busted; we can see a jar underneath the couch in the picture of your last post! - Anne-Marie Montréal, Canada

RN: Hahahahahahaa, this is funny. I did have one down there. My PR Manager took the picture and I guess he didn't see it :-) I think WE have eaten 2 bottles...

What are 3 words that your friends use to describe you? thanks a lot - Katie Rattern

RN: Believe me I don't know.

You have amazing mental strength and determination - do you think it would play to your advantage if Wimbledon went to a third week? - Rob

RN: No, I don't think so. Imagine 3 weeks raining :-)

Hey! How do you define a great tennis player - are they judged on how many tournaments they've won, how many weeks at number one, how many grand slams they've won, or are tennis players measured by something else??? - Angela

RN: Look at Roger Federer and you have the answer. Tournaments, ranking, #1, etc. In the end the results give you the rest so the best are those who win.

What was your opinion of your book? Did you feel that the book represented you well? - Yuju

RN: I have read it and I enjoyed it. It basically shows what I did in the past few years.

Hola Rafa, what went through your head when Soderling, was imitating you by picking his underwear (es un gilipolla)? - Nati, Miami

RN: I didn't realize :-)

Could you say Hello to my son Rickson Griffith? He is a 9 year old lefted handed tennis player and has a mild case of Cerebal Palsy which doesn't allow him to be able to serve well with his right arm and hand, but he is a good lefted handed returner and would really be excited if you said Hello to him through this e-mail or blog. - Thanks Theresa, ( Rickson's mom)

RN: Hi Rickson, how are you? I hope I can see you one day! Enjoy tennis, it is the best! Take care my friend !!!

hi rafa, are you awkward ? :-) - Fella

RN: I don't think so but your question definitely is :-)

Rafa, when Real Madrid won the Spanish League, you were singing to your cell phone "Campeones, campeones..." Who was at the phone? Were you mocking some friend who cheers for Barcelona? Hahaha - Thanks! Iara, Brazil

RN: I was singing it to someone very close.

Maybe a strange question but, if you were a superhero, what special power would you have and why? :)

RN: I think I rather stay the way I am and continue to enjoy what I do.

I heard some players are quite superstitious and have rituals they have to follow before they go on court, or they may have to wear the same piece of clothing whilst they play... do you have any superstitions like that and if so, what are they? - Carol, UK

RN: I don't have any but I have some habits that are close to superstition. I line up the bottles, sometimes don't step on lines, and sometimes I don't shave... Things like this that I am trying to get rid of.

Hi Rafa! Do you feel that you are already a man or a just a boy? What do you feel? - Mara, Portugal

RN: I think I am big boy or maybe a small man. No seriously, I think I am old enough to be considered a young man.

Hi, Rafa. Everyone knows younger sisters live to tease their big brothers; it's just part of life that big brothers need to accept. :-) Does your sister tease you, and if so, what are some things she teases you about? - Amy

RN: hahahahahah, yes sometimes we tease each other. We have a very good relationship!

We have watched you faithfully for two years at the Pacific Open. I wanted to shout :Viva la madre que te pareo" but was too shy. Maybe they don't say that in Mallorca - Mardiyah (age: 75)

RN: Yes we do say it like that. KInd of funny to hear and I am sure my mom loved it... Thanks !

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More rain and the smile on my face is disappearing

6 games in one day. That's just too much, isn't it? Well, there is nothing we can do other than to show how frustrated we are. I guess it is a common feeling but I speak only for my self. Still, as I say there is nothing we can do about it. I guess, I know, it is just bad luck.

I have answered many questions about the rain to all of you. The paper sends me everyday a set of questions and I try to answer all of them. I think that the blog today is exactly that. Questions and answers about the rain, our feelings, etc.

Believe me I really don't know what to write about today. I went to the site early in the morning and just waited and waited in the locker room. There is nothing you can do because you have to be ready in case they call you to play. If you are not ready imagine you risk to get defaulted. I don't think that our level, being professionals that would happen since we know we have to be ready. If tomorrow keeps raining I will take some pics of us in the locker room (I suppose we are allowed, huuhh?). Waiting, waiting and more waiting.

But imagine we are not he only ones like that. Imagine all the fans that came to the tournament. At least they had the chance to see some matches. And what about all those people queuing outside to get a ticket to come and see us play? It is also for all these people that we play and that we give 100% if not more. I mean, I always try my best and try hard but if I wouldn't that would be one more reason to try my best. But also waiting you have many others such as the media, the staff, the security, ball boys, umpires, ... Rough, very rough. At least at the VIP they can have some good time. Sometimes they don't even come to the matches so I guess that's OK for them :-) (I am just kidding, OK?)

Anyway, after some many hours, we went back home and... Among other things, the most relevant is: PlayStation again today. We are only 4 these days at home since Benito had to go home today and will be back tomorrow so... we were playing: Carlos Costa, Albert Molina, Rafa Maymo and myself. Among
these names there was the biggest defeat on the play Station I remember. 14-0 defeat. And as I say it is not Benito since he wasn't here today... I am not allowed by this person to reveal the name... Maybe one day... But the fact is that he lost 14-0... No further comments. Maybe one day I will
reveal which of these 3 names is the big L... In play station, obviously. As a team member he is great but as a PS player...

Hasta manana.

Rafa

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Tuesday, July 03, 2007

More rain, but still with a smile on my face

Well, it rained again today. I suppose this is not news anymore. Am I even getting used to it? :-) Don't think so. But not to blame anyone. I hear that this is the wettest June (now July) since 1914 so I guess there must be something going on that we don't understand... In Spain we say "to bad weather, good face (al mal tiempo buena cara)". I am sure this is not the right translation but I don't know (nor my translator) the English saying for it. So "from lost to the river" (another one...).

But I wanted to first of all say that I have not criticized Wimbledon. I heard some people mentioned I had criticized the tournament but this is not what I meant to say. I said it was unbelievable the fact that we did not play yesterday, Sunday. Believe me it was not written with the intention to criticize the fact we did not play. It is like an expression of disappointment but not the other way around. I know this is THE tournament as I said on my first day on this blog. I know that, everyone knows that, but at the same time I believe I can say something like what I said about not playing Sunday and not take it the wrong way.

I mean we knew by the forecast, and here they are pretty good on that - among other things, ok? - that it was going to rain today and also tomorrow and Wednesday. So this is the reason why it is strange that they did not put us to play Sunday. Yesterday, again, we had to stop the matches a couple of time and I did not even finished my match. Maybe if we would have played Sunday we could have advanced a bit. But I know there must be reasons why we did not play. It must not be easy to get everyone over to work when it was not predicted. I don't know the reason as I say but I am sure they have a good reason for it.

In any case I would have had to play today, I mean me or Soderling, obviously, and now whoever moves forward in the tournament will play almost everyday. But again this is not a criticism but only a comment. There are many things on this tournament that are unique too. I'll leave it there.

On my end, I am taking it easy, taking it with calm and today I know I have a very difficult end of the match. This sport is very complicated and yesterday you saw it, I experienced it once again. I had this match point that could not convert and I find my self waiting again to finish a very difficult match today. But again, I am happy with a lot of will and we'll see if things go well today.

In the mean time more Godfather. Remember I have the 10 hours on DVD so that's why it is taking so long... Maybe if I finish it I will start watching them in English. They keep telling me it is good for my English but I just find it too hard to follow, if not impossible. So I prefer to watch them in Spanish and then, one day, who knows when, I will start in English.

Believe me I don't have much more to tell you so I have answered all the questions I got yesterday. Hope you enjoy them and I will be back tomorrow.

Ciao everyone.

Rafa.

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Monday, July 02, 2007

Questions for Rafa

Are you a technical guy as far as racquet and strings go? Do you change tensions alot or experiment with different combinations? Thanks! - Nicklas

RN: Hi Nicklas, very technical questions, I am sure that you play, huuhhhhh. I play with the same strings and same tension. 25 kgs is what I play with.

Have you ever pulled a prank on any other tennis player? - Clare

RN: No, sometimes we play jokes and things like this.

Do you want to have a family and children someday? If yes, how many children do you want? - Airina, Russia

RN: Yes, sure I want to have some family but I promise you I am not thinking much about it right now.

Do you know any good jokes? - Steph

RN: A few but I am not too good at telling them.

I know you like motor racing. who's your favourite rider in the moto gp? - cristel, the netherlands

RN: I like very much Rossi and Pedrosa. I also like in 250 Lorenzo.

Dear Rafa, Why are your muscles so big? - Sarah (age 5 and a half)

RN: Because I play a lot of tennis.

Hi Rafa! One thing I'd like to know is, how do you always transport your trophies back home? :-) - Romina-Maria, 20, Charlotte, Belgium

RN: I normally take them with me or if someone from my family came to the final then they take it back home. I have all of tbem at home except the one from Acapulco 2005 that got lost on the trip.

What do you put in your tennisbag? - anon

RN: Lot of things. Too many sometimes. Racquets, strings, t-shirts, wallet, mp3 w headphones, wristbands.

Dear Rafa, We are going to Mallorca this summer - what's your favourite restauraunt? We are staying near Buger. You are my hero, good luck tomorrow - Dominic

RN: My favorite restauran is called Sa Punta and it is near Porto Cristo.

Can you dance? - Lola T

RN: Yes, didn't you see me on the video at the French with La Bamba? :-)

Does writing blogs represent you a big responsibility.For example when you get tired from somewhere and you know you're obligated to write a new post...? - Rafa Estranged

RN: Yes, it depends on the day, but I made a commitment so I fulfill it.

Hi Rafa - If you could make ANY changes at all to the ATP - what would they be? How do you think professional tennis could be improved? - Eli, California

RN: I don't think it is my job to do this. The guy upthere gets paid very well and he should do them but definitely I would not take the road, in fact I don't and I have expressed my disagreement, of going against tradition for money. Downgrading Monte-Carlos, for example would be a huge mistake. They are cutting down on clay events and that's not healthy on our bodies. Many more things.

Can you tell me how much training and what type of exercises you do to be so fit on the court, as I would like to learn them? Thanks - Rahul, Aged 9

RN: Rahul, the best you can do at this time is to have fun. That's the most important thing.

hey rafa i was wonderin how come you support real madrid i mean your uncle toni is a barcelonista and your other uncle miguel was a barca player it seems a bit wired that you become a madridista - daniele

RN: Daniele, good question. You can't control your heart, right?

What was the latest thing that you bought for yourself and where was it? Thanks in advance - Takako

RN: I think the set of movies of Godfather.

What's the meal your mom/dad cooks that you miss when you are on tour? - Lucia

RN: Fish

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No tennis but at least I got to see the grand prix

Hi everyone,

Funny day today to write a blog, or a post, whatever. I just call it a blog but I read comments that it is just a post...

I say it is a funny day since it is kind of weird to be here not being able o play yesterday and not playing today. Still it is good since the tension is different and not the one you have on a competition day. I had scheduled initially to practice at 1 pm. But this morning when I realized that the F-1 GP was at 1 I tried to changed, and I managed to, so that I could watch it on TV. I like the F-1 and follow it every week end. I mean always since I even woke up at 5 am last year in NY to go to watch one race in a place we found. I remember it was at a place that ESPN has in the center of the city.
So I thought it was at 2pm like always until I remembered that here in England is one hour less.
Toni called Ferrero and we were able to change it. We started at noon but the rain started and we had to stop after 30 minutes. We then went to see the race at the IMG house and also had lunch there. After the race we went back to the club since I practiced one hour with Tsonga from 4 to 5 at the Arancini, I mean Aorangi. The Arancini is something you eat in Italy and I like o mix it up wit the Aorangi and Giorgio told me there is a good restaurant called like this in London that I will have to go one day.

It is good to finally get some real practice and tennis since for a couple of days it was difficult.

After that we just went back home, watched more of the Godfather (I have all the movies here) with Maymo, Carlos Costa and Molina and then play some playstation.

It is funny but a Sunday without football is not the same. When the league finishes it is different. As a lot of people know I love football too.

So, tomorrow we are back at the club trying to play. I hope this is the case or things will start geting complicated. I heard there will be bad weather so, no good news. We'll see. In the end today was a very beutiful day.

Hasta mañana

Rafa

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Sunday, July 01, 2007

Questions for Rafa

What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why? - dria

RN: I love cookies and cream but don't ask me why :-)

How do you see yourself in 10-15 years? Amal, Tunisia

RN: Too far away from now. Sorry.

Do you remember any particular crazy fan of yours? - Brinda Chandramohan

RN: Very good question. I actually have a few funny ones but I like it since they are my fans. No complaints. The only thing is that I try to give as much as possible so when I see getting the same autograph over and over again from the same person it is kind of funny.

What kind of candy do you like? - Arely, US

RN: All kinds. All!

What kind of student were you in school? Did you get A's and B's or D's and F's? Also did you have a favorite subject in school? Michelle, Palm Springs

RN: I was not a very good student but the funny anecdote is that once I even failed physical education!

Apart from sport, what used to be your favorite subject in school? - Emz

RN: Maths

Is it a tough to be coached by your own uncle? Considering he has known you all his life, and is familiar with your personality, do you think its better off to have more than one coach, just to gain a different perspective? - Sai

RN: No, actually it is better since he knows me well and I know that he is there always for me. You always have ups and downs but that's normal.

You have funny nicknames for Carlos Moya and Feliciano Lopez and some of your other friends. Do they have a nickname for you? - Anne, Florida

RN: Rafa :-) They also call me Nadalek from time to time.

If you were shipwrecked alone on an island what three things would you like to have with you? - Nina

RN: I hope it is in Mallorca (it's an island) so I would know I have everything I need there :-)

How do you celebrate after winning a tournament? Lynne, Dublin

RN: I am not the kind of guy of big celebrations. Likewise I am not those kind of guys who gets very depressed after losing. Something very normal (or not normal, depends).

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Saturday, June 30, 2007

Depressing day!!!

Sorry to all the people that might take this wrongly. Please don't do so.
But today it has been a completely depressing day. I mean the whole day waiting for nothing. No play, no match, no practice, no nothing!
I woke up as I said yesterday fairly early. We had practice scheduled for 11am. When I woke up and saw the rain coming down I said to myself, not again! It is unbelievable. Rain, rain, rain, and more rain. Last year we had good weather. I can't believe this is like this this year.
Anyway. I saw we were not playing and so just stayed at home during the morning, Toni did go to the club and check out things. I stayed with Rafa Maymo watching some movies. We saw the end of El Padrino 2. Good movie.
After that we decided to go to the club just to get ready. We were told we could be starting. So we went there and today we had lunch there. I had some pasta with fish as usual and then went to the locker room to get ready. We saw that the match before mine got done and at some point we thought we would play. When we were called to go to the match it was great. The only bad thing was that I had not warmed up anything this morning but I guess it was the same for Soderling. We only had those ten minutes of warm-up on Centre Court before the match started. That's it. Kind of funny since it had not happened before to me. You all know that we almost started the match but, geee, it started raining just when we were starting.
We went back to the locker room and Toni told me we were going to hit indoors to keep warm in case we would start playing. It is important to start the match well warmed up. That way, the nerves are almost gone and also the arms and muscles are more relaxed.
After that I went home to wait in case I would be called to the match again. On these moments I try to stay focused and don't do things like Playstation or things like that. I just went home and watched a couple of matches on TV.
I have just come back from doing some grocery (food shopping). Feli is now back in Madrid and you can feel his absence. Believe me. We are only three now in the house and although it does not have any influence on the cooking since Feli wasn't doing much :-), actually his girlfriend was always cooking hahahahahahah. But seriously we miss him here.
We played some Playstation before dinner and before I went to buy. MOLINA has been the winner. Not against me but against Benito and Rafa Maymo. Unbelievable!!!! The other day I beat him 10-1 and now he is playing well!
We bought more of the same, so I guess soon I will be tired of "what" (Neil this one is for you) I eat. WHAT?! TIRED?!
Anyway, I wrote this blog pretty early today. Tomorrow there is no play at Wimbledon, something I don't really understand considering that we did not play today. That means that we will play on Monday and whoever wins of the two also on Tuesday and if win also on Wednesday. Not understandable!!!
Hasta manana.
Rafa

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Questions for Rafa



Maybe a strange question, but since you have already so many questions answered, I would wonder if you could told me something about you that no one has asked you yet? - Nicole S, Holland

RN: I am not sure I have something I did not tell before. I speak to the media every day so I really don't have many things to say. I always try to be honest so not much in the tank left...

I have heard that part of the proceeds from selling your book will go to a foundation. Have you established it yet? And what foundation will it be? Jantaraporn - Thailand

RN: No, actually we have not decided it yet but definitely they will go to a charity.

Have you ever been to any concert, and who was the artist? - Maureen, USA

RN: I have been recently invited to see MANA in concert. They are probably my favourite band at the moment. I will try depending on my schedule.

I note you are a keen fisherman, is that deep sea, fly, or other river fishing, and what is the biggest fish you have caught and where did you catch it? - Regards Adrian

RN: Yes, I love going fishing on a boat. I think you call it deep sea. The biggest fish I catch was a Mero but I don't know the English word.

When you were small, what was your favourite toy? - Alma Botes

RN: A tennis racquet and a football. Easy one.

What's the strangest question that you've ever been asked by the press or by a fan?

RN: I could not tell you one thing now. But I guess that many things. I had some funny questions in China I can remember.

At the Australian Open on a press conference you talked about your "famous ass". Did you got angry because the media wrote about your ass and the Capry pants? Reyes, Alicante

RN: No, not really I am used to it so I just laugh.

What would you prefer for going out in the evenings with your friends, a bar where you can talk with your friends or a disco to dance and party with them? - Anke

RN: I think you can do both. First the calm part and then the disco and party.

You used to be doing a lot of fist pumping, "vamosing" and celebrating after a good shot but now you seem to be much more calmer on the court, what happened? - Magda, Poland

RN: No, I still celebrate on court those important points. I don't think things have changed.

When you’re in England, have you ever tried our own version of tapas – a delicious pork pie or Scotch egg? - Sebastian

RN: No, not really. I guess I will have to try it the next time I go out. Thanks for the tip.

Last year you took a month off after Wimbledon. Are you planning to do the same this year or will you return to action sooner? - Amanda

RN: No, I am scheduled to play in Bastad (depending on results here) and Stuttgart.

I heard in your victory speech at the French Open that you hope next year to be able to give it in French. Are you learning other languages (such as French) at the moment? Chris

RN: Not for the moment, English is tough enough. But next year I would love to give a speech in French meaning I am back in the final.



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The Playstation is back

Hi there,

The day today started normal with breakfast downstairs. By the way, I have not explained how the house is so I will take some time now. The house has 3 stages (plantas in Spanish, I hope we are getting the right word). The basement is where the kitchen is and that's where we normally eat. It also has a little backyard where we also spend some time (more last year than this year) depending on the weather.

The second stage has the living room where the TV and all music stuff is and my bedroom with my own bathroom. On the 3rd stage there are 3 more bedrooms and that's where Feli in one room, my uncle Toni and Rafa Maymo on another and Albert Costa and Toni from Feli's team are. It is actually a pretty nice house and we are very comfortable there. Maybe a bit expensive but that's how things go...

So today I tried to practice at 11 as scheduled. Unfortunately the morning was not too nice and there was a big shower. I rushed back home and stayed tuned till my uncle and coach Toni called me for practice. Benito, my PR Manager, had arranged for me to meet with the Spanish media covering Wimbledon to come to my house at 1pm. Since it rained and I could not practice we had to postponed it. In the end the day came beautiful with a fantastic sunshine and we could practice at around 3 pm. I met with all the Spanish media at a room that the tournament let us and we were there for over 45 minutes. Lot of talking, believe me. I think these things are important since they also make a big effort coming here for 15 days (hopefully...). We spoke about many things and it was not in the format of a press conference. Just a get together with them to get to know them (most of them I already know them for many years) a bit more and just talk about all different things. It was nice.

So as I say on the title, the PlayStation is back. I had not played during the whole tournament but a couple of days ago I took it out and we played some matches. Today at the club Juan Martin del Potro told me that he'd spoke to Benito and that we could play some matches. He told me jokingly he would kick my famous you know what and I just laughed. So after practice and all the media work, they came over and... I defeated him. 2-1 final score of the 3 matches we played. I have to admit I was lucky on the first one winning on the last minute (Cristiano Ronaldo never lets me down). The second one was easy (4-1) and Juan was too good on the third one. I played with Man U and he played with FC Barcelona... I don't think it is stupid to play playstation. I think that it is no good if you play for hours and hours, but we only play a few matches.

Anyway, I am writing here this blog a bit earlier than usual and now we are going to have dinner. Carlos Costa, my manager, and Albert Molina from IMG are here too. Feli is a bit down since he lost today so I am sure the atmosphere will not be as on the other days. Too bad. And I also think the fridge is quite empty so I am not sure what are we going to do, really. :-)

Anyway tomorrow it will be a very difficult match against a player who hits it very hard and serves very fast. We'll see.

Thanks

Rafa

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Friday, June 29, 2007

Your questions for Rafa

Do you have a girlfriend or is she perhaps a secret? - Ceilie
RN: No, no secret, I have a girlfriend.

Have you ever had any pets and, if you have, what are they? - Rachel S, aged 9
RN: Hi Rachel, no I don't have any pets.

How were you able to get over your shyness to do such an outgoing "La Bamba" karaoke? Did you have a glass of wine? :-) - Susan
RN: Hahahhahahaha, no wine, I don't need wine to do sometimes crazy things. I was asked to do it, I thought it was a cool idea and I did it! I enjoyed it.

Can we have the recipe for your famous pasta dish? -Alma
RN: :o) Too long to write and to do it. Maybe one day you will have my secret recipe. :-)

Who do you think is the best joker on the ATP and has someone ever played a prank on you? - Maria P, Bulgaria
RN: I think Djokovic does pretty good stuff on this regard. I saw his impressions of other players and his Monte-Carlo show and he is very good and funny!

Do you ever totally disconnect from tennis? I mean, when you are on holiday, do you keep training, do you just play some tennis because you want to or do you not touch a racket for a couple of weeks? - Bárbara
RN: I definitely do. I need it and I take 'very seriously' my time off. I do train and practise but have some few days off that I go fishing, golf and friends and family.

Hi Rafa, what type of food do you know to cook, besides pasta? - Natalie
RN: I can bake one type of cake. Not much. I only practise these two weeks at Wimbledon.

Do you like surfing in the internet and looking for pictures or information about you? - thanks a lot, Annika, 19 years old
RN: Yes I do. I also try to read comments from people.

Hey Rafa, I know you love football so your opinion would be helpful. My boyfriend supports Manchester United and I support Liverpool. Do you think I should dump him for his appalling choice of football team? - Siobhan, Liverpool
RN:Hahahahhahahahaha. Funny question. Dump him if you don't like him but not for supporting another team. I don't dump my coach although he supports FC Barcelona. :-)

Hi Rafa, if Real Madrid could just sign one new player this summer. Who would you want them to sign? - thanks, Phil C, London
RN: I like very much Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Easy, huhhhh?

If you were invisible for a day what would you do? - Laura
RN: Go fishing and play golf? Same as now when I am free.

If you could play any player from the past at their peak, who would it be and why? - thank you, Seth Turquand-Cook, age 9
RN:I know I play now so I just don't think about it.

Hi Rafa, what's the best food dish you've ever prepared? - Joy, Manila
RN: Last night I made this pasta with mushrooms and gambas :i-) every day getting better on it.

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No dinner story tonight



Yes, or no actually, no dinner story tonight since I finished so late at the tournament tonight that I am too tired to tell stories about tonight's dinner.

Today as it was a match day, I was very much focused on the day and on the match. These days are special, different. Some people ask me about the physical strength and its importance, but I think sometimes it is more mentally tough than physically. Today I was playing last match and therefore it is a kind of tricky, funny day. As I said on my press conference this is kind of risky, kind of difficult because you can start a match and find that due to weather or darkness you might not finish it. This is tough mentally since we have a day off on grand-slams but if you don't finish you have this tension of having to play again the next day.

My day started "early" since I had my warm up at 11. Considering I was playing last, this is quite early. I had as hitting partner or warm up "kid" :-) my uncle Toni. I joked in the press room afterwards saying that that is the reason why I had a slow start. Obviously I was joking and I hope the media didn't take it wrongly. I did hit with Toni and I was done pretty early.

I then went back home to have lunch there and relax until the beginning of the match before mine. On a normal tournament I would have stayed on-site till my match starts but here, since I have the house so close, I just went home, had lunch, relaxed a bit and watched the Henman v Lopez match on TV. It is then when I go to the tournament to get ready for the match. The reason for this is that if the match before mine is fast, or someone gets injured or whatever, we are called to go on court and we have to be ready. If we are not there and ready we can get defaulted so you better be there and ready.

Yesterday I mentioned that I was sad because Moya lost and he was one of the guys that should have come to the Nike dinner. I apologized for supporting Tim's rival. Today Feli Lopez beat Henman and I have to say I am happy. I like Tim a lot, he is a very nice guy and I was sorry for him but we are talking about Feli who is one of my best friends on tour, and the guy sharing the house with me, so I would be lying to you if I don't say I am happy for him. He did something big for him, to defeat Henman at home on the centre court of Wimbledon. I am sure no one will get upset with me with what I am saying. I am sure you understand.

Today I was asked during the post-match press conference about the centre court and the feelings walking to it. I have to say this one is different and very special. I still get impressed when you walk there and you are about to go on-court. Everything is so special. So well taken care off.

There they are all these trophies before going to this white big door with those military marines that let you go on court. I don't know, it is really special and impressive. Something really great. I am not sure I will be able to take a picture :-)

Tomorrow I have a day off, with only some practice, some press work and lot of resting. I am sure I will have more things to say.

Until then, see you tomorrow.

Thanks for all your support.

Rafa

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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Your questions for Rafa

What kind of cereal do you like? - Emma S
RN: I normally have mixed cereals. These that have nuts, chocolate also and things like this.

What kind of books do you like reading and what's your favorite book? - Tulip
RN: The last one I read was actually the one about me. I know it sounds egocentric but I just wanted to see the final product.

Do you think you are a good cook? - Brandy Porter
RN: I think so, but I guess I am not the right person to answer this.

Which surface is more tiring, on fast or on clay? - Elisette
RN: Probably clay. But it is more the rival than the surface ...

Would you rather eat two whole tomatoes, or not play tennis at all for two weeks? Why? - Laurenne
RN: Eat two BIG tomatoes. I love tennis and I love to play.

I'm playing tennis now two years but I have some problems with my service and smash. Can you give me some tips? - Elisa
RN: Difficult to say. Just try to do things slowly and then improve the speed.

Would you ever consider doing a Tommy Robredo and posing nude for the Everyman Charity? This would make a lot of women all over the world very happy! And of course raise money for charity! I'm sure your girlfriend wouldn't mind? - Margaret, South Shields
RN: No, it is not my style but I respect what others do. I think that if it is for good cause I can do other things. I am too shy to pose nude.

I have vacationed in Mallorca, and enjoyed the beaches. What should I plan to do on my next trip to explore the island a bit more? - Rudy, Houston, Texas
RN: I need more time and space to answer this one. I think the whole island is fantastic so you will find plenty of things to see and do.

If you didn't play tennis, what do you think you would be doing right now? - Kiran, 19
RN: I don't know but I guess that playing football would be a close call.

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Dinner at the Nike house in Wimbledon

Hi everyone (I knew this one) !!!

Two highlights today out of my tennis work and routine. One is a media thing I did today that I think will be cool. A cinema production company came today to London to film me for something. They are making a movie or documentary (I am not that sure) on Zidane and they asked me if I could be part of the movie and talk. When Benito and Carlos told me about it I thought it was nice. I think Zidane is big, very big. One of the sportsmen I have admired more in my career. I don't have idols but Zidane was probably one of those persons that I have looked at more. To feel part of this film is great and I told them what I thought of this great sportsman on and off court. So they came to my house to get the interview done. They told me it would be 15 minutes but in the end it was 45 since the language thing always makes interviews longer. This time it was no English, it was French so even more difficult ... :-)

The other night we had the Italian dinner at my house, and tonight we had the Spanish dinner at the Nike house. This was the second highlight. I think it was on Sunday, we came to the Nike house in Wimbledon to pick up our clothes. You know, we are lucky since we get everything for free (and I also get paid) so we go to every grand-slam to pick up our clothes at their place. At the French Open they also had a very cool and modern house and at the US Open we go to their Nike Store I think next to the 5th Avenue. Here at Wimbledon they have this fantastic house where they take care of all their players. I went there with Fidgiano (Feliciano Lopez) to get everything and there they were, Nico and Roy from Nike taking care of us. We had a nice conversation while Roy was bringing down everything and Nico had this idea to do a Spanish dinner at the house. We thought it was great.

Charly Moya and his team were also invited but unfortunately he lost and so he is back in Spain now -sorry if I say this, I know he lost to Tim Henman, the local hero here. Anyway, they had this "Catalan style chicken" (they say it was like this but I think it was more Indian than Spanish :-) ... some salmon, some salads, cous cous, potatoes, etc. For dessert we had some chocolate pudding. Nice stuff, really good, but not too Spanish, huhhh? :-) I hope Nico and the other Nike guys don't get upset with me now that I made these comments :-). The whole Nadal/Lopez house came. That's my uncle Toni, Rafa Maymo, Feliciano Lopez, Albert Costa, Toni his physio, plus Carlos Costa, Albert Molina from IMG and Benito from my team and a couple of friends from Feli that are vis