TIMESONLINE - BLOG - WIMBLEDON

 3 juillet 2007
 Sarah Maïder
 Tournois 2007

Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, arrives at Wimbledon aiming to wrest the title from Roger Federer. The first man since Bjorn Borg to win the French Open three times in a row, the world No 2 will need to go one better than last year, when he lost to his arch rival in the final. What more do you need to know? He's 6ft 1in, weighs 85kg, is left-handed, except on backhand when he uses two, is from Majorca and jumped with delight when Real Madrid won La Liga. Will there be more joy for him at Wimbledon? Ask him - he's ready to answer your questions below

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

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

Saturday, July 07, 2007

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

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.

Friday, July 06, 2007

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

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.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

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

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

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

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 !

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

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.

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

Monday, July 02, 2007

No tennis but at least I got to see Hamilton in the F1

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

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.