Rafael Nadal - Times Online - WBLG

My final post: good bye, everyone

Hi everyone,

This is my last blog post from Wimbledon. I have to be realistic and I don't think I will be able to do it tomorrow. On Monday I am flying early in the morning to Stuttgart and tomorrow win or lose it will be impossible to do it. If I win (please, please) I will be going to the winners party/dinner that the club organizes and logically I won't have time. If I lose then I will be packing everything (got a lot of luggage, as always) and I will be together with my family. In any case I have an early flight on Monday morning.
Coming to today, it has been quite a busy morning. I practiced for 2 hours. Initially it was going to be a smoother practice but I wasn't feeling that great hitting the ball and decided to practice a bit more with my uncle Toni and a player from Menorca called Nacho Coll. I know him for some time, he is in the Balearic Tennis Centre and he is around to pay some future events. I use to hit with him sometimes when we are in Mallorca. After that I had a lot of media obligations with Press Conference, TV interviews and a get together with the Spanish media that follow me around the different tournaments.
In the afternoon I just stayed at the house with my family, my team, playing cards, playing darts and some play station. Quite and relaxed day just not thinking about tomorrow. Over dinner my uncle Toni and I talked a bit about tomorrow's match and on how to play. What you call a tactics chat. This is the way we do it. Sometimes Toni gives me some advices, some things to think about. He preferred to share those things tonight so I can think about them instead of tomorrow morning when the match is closer. We don't have a fixed procedure and today it as like this.

My parents went out for dinner with their friends and we stayed at home. Apart from Toni, also Rafa Maymo, Tuts, my sister, my uncle Rafael,  and Benito. We cooked one of those dishes of pasta with shrimps and mushrooms and stayed calm.

Questions for Rafa: giving up tennis, biting trophies, playing McEnroe

Has there ever been a moment when you wanted to give up tennis, especially during everyday practice sessions which must be boring and tiring at times? How do you get through that?
Harriet, Bedford

Rafa: No, I have always enjoyed tennis. Sure you have bad moments but I never think like that.

Are you a rough sleeper, meaning you usually wake up with your sheets, pillows, and hair all messed up?
Brandy, Memphis

Rafa: Yes.

How does it feel to be doing so well at Wimbledon
Veronica Romm

Rafa: It feels great but there is one more match to go. I am the same as last year but with more experience.

Why do you bite your trophies when you win them?
Jacqueline Gilzene

Rafa: I started when I won the first one and I just keep on doing it. Something like a brand mark?

What is it that your Uncle Toni has done and continues to do that supports and inspires you so?
Claire Packham

Rafa: Lot of things everyday. He is a wise person and I know he will always be there for me.

When you are on the tour, who looks after all your kit? Typically, going to a grand slam, how many tops/shorts/shoes do you take?
Sophie

Rafa: Nike brings me the kit I need and a number of everything, shirts, shorts, shoes, etc. If I am running short they always have some extra stuff. There is a guy called Roy who is a great, great guy that is always there ready. Roy is simply the best.

Is renting a house unique to Wimbledon
Lynn, Surrey

Rafa: Wimbledon is the only time I do this. It is simply convenient.

This is a rather personal question. When you go for a toilet break during a match, how close do the officials have to get? Jenny

Rafa: Very close. Too close?

Do the players get to have a say about the umpires at tournaments, particularly if a player thinks an umpire has made bad calls? Is there a way for players to give feedback to make sure the umpires are professional?
Anna, Brisbane

Rafa: We can always talk to the ATP Tour Manager or Supervisor and complain. I have only done it once. I think they do a good job in general.

Which retired player would you most like to play?
Katie, Kettering

Rafa: I practiced with John McEnroe the other day. I wish it was him tomorrow in the final and not Roger... :-)

I've read that when you're at home in Mallorca you enjoy going to the beach. What do you like to do there? Surfing? Volleyball? Building sand castles?
Katie, UK

Rafa: Just swimming, maybe doing some sports and what I like most is to go on the boat.

Do you think that one reason why fans feel a special connection with you is because many of them have either watched your uncle during his football days?
Leonora Seah, Singapore

Rafa: Maybe but I think most of them don't see the association.

The night eight paparazzi attacked me

First of all I would like to apologize for not sending this blog post last night as usual. I always do it after dinner while I'm at the massage table and my physio works on me. I dictate it and my PR manager writes it. This is how I have been doing it every day. But yesterday we finished late with all the post-match obligations such as TV Interviews and greeting the people that came yesterday from Spain and receiving a media prize. All in all, over two hours of work. That's OK, but then I had told my family that we were going out for dinner. Most part of my family has arrived and therefore we just don't fit in the house for dinner. So we decided to go out. I have only gone out for dinner twice during these 16 days here at Wimbledon. I went out the first time for Albert Costa's birthday surprise dinner and last night. It was late (midnight) when I came back and I was tired. We worked a bit on the table but I really didn't have time for the blog. Sorry.

One thing that did surprise me yesterday was the eight paparazzi waiting for me at a restaurant. I didn't tell anyone I was going out and when I arrived they sort of attacked me. I don't know if this is the right word, but believe me it was strange. Too much. I am a person that always works with media, does interviews with them, works closely with them, but I don't find it fair that when I have a few hours free, with my family, simply going for dinner, they persecute me and get those pictures that they sell. I am a public figure, I understand, but I don't live off publicity. I live off what I do on-court. I work there. But I feel this thing last night was too much. I am not complaining since it is not my style, and I am not going to hide and not go out because there might be paparazzi but I just find it unfair. But as I say this is the way it is and hopefully society will one day go against this kind of people. 

Beaten at foot-tennis and cards - at least I got lunch right

Hi Everyone,

I don't really know what to say today on this blog. It is one of those days that you really feel that nothing that I have done has been different to what I have been telling you. I did wake up at the normal time, I went to practice at a normal time (at noon) for over an hour and not much. Well,yes, we played some foot-tennis after practice that I always have fun with and lot of people watched us doing that. Me and Maymo vs Toni and Carlos Costa. Maymo a complete disaster. We lost because the guy is just a "zero on the left" hahahahahaha. He might be the best physio but as a football player he is just terrible. Still we had a lot of fun. I have to say it was the normal thing to do, to lose, but we were close if you look at the positive side of things like I normally do.

Then I went back to the house and simply cooked lunch. During lunch (we ate pretty late again), I watched most of the Clement v Schuetler match. I am really looking forward to tomorrow's match. This is my third consecutive semifinal here and I really find myself very motivated and fit. Lot of people might think tomorrow it is an easy match but come on, this is a semifinal of Wimbledon and it can only be a difficult match. Tomorrow the forecast is good, sunny skies so normally we will be able to play.

And what else? not much to be honest. We played some cards after lunch, a game called "the one". There I lost, Maymo says that I am a "filete" a steak would be the translation from Spanish to English. I am told it doesn't mean anything in English but it is the way we use to say someone is not good at something. You are a filete hahahahaha. Well, today I was one playing cards. It was again the four of us with Benito filming on a camera some parts of it. I wonder what he does with this footage. He better not use it !

Anyway, thanks all for your support and hope to write some more blogs during the next days. It would mean I am through...

Rafa

Questions for Rafa: being an honorary Brit, playing against friends and smashing racquets

My daughter, Kathleen, is 12 and hits two handed from both forehand and backhand as you once did.  Her coach wants her to play one handed forehand. Why did your uncle decide to have you play with your left rather than right?
Marian, Wilmington, NC

Rafa: My uncle told me that there was no player that played at the top level with two handed forehand. I had to chose and I felt better with my left hand. Now it is my best shot.

Which do you consider a more difficult surface: US Open or Australian Open?
Chris, Texas

Rafa: They are pretty similar both. I have performed better at the Oz Open but it has nothing to do with the surface.

In a match between Real Mallorca and Real Madrid, who do you support?

Rafa: It will depends who needs the win more. I would go for that one.

Do you have any interest in boxing? I'm sure that you have a great right hook!
Mamiko

Rafa: Not at all.

The crowd were fantastic - and I played not bad, too

Hello everyone,

Well this is a funny blog because I am writing it for a British newspaper and I have just played their number 1 player. I hope that those of you fans of Andy are not too upset. I think I played my absolute best tennis on half of the first set and the whole 2nd set. I felt really good today.

But I wanted to mention specially the crowd. They were just fantastic. I have said in the press conference that they were extremely fair but I would add now that they were simply the best crowd.
I felt really appreciated when I stepped on court. The round of applause was extraordinary considering I was playing against their player. I only have thank you words for them and repeat that I have always felt really good here at Wimbledon with the crowd.

I would also like to say that Andy Murray is a great player and I have no doubts that he will be very soon in the Top 5. Not Top 10, but Top 5. He has the talent to be there and he will be there soon.

After having said this I really don't have much more words. And I am supposed to write a bit more (I guess...). So let me say to you that today when I was going to the courts at 11.30am saw those clouds and thought it would be a long day... I managed to get early to warm up at noon and after 25 minutes practicing it started to rain. Not much , but enough to have the courts covered and delay some play. That's when I felt I was really at Wimbledon.

Lot of thoughts from last year came to my mind and believe me I felt good. It is funny how you (I do at least) always remember the good things from past situations. It is true that I also remember the bad ones but when something was in the end positive I tend to retain in my head the good memories. Well that's what happened to me today thinking about the rain and Wimbledon. True that I didn't win last year, I was close, but I still remember the good things.

Tomorrow more practice and wait to see who will be my rival in semis. They are one set all and for them it is unlucky they  have to play 3 days in a row (the winner obviously).

Thanks,
Rafa

Questions for Rafa: pumping iron, braids and body moisturiser

After a major win how do you celebrate and with who?
Alex Sykes

Rafa: I celebrate with my family, my team, sponsors and friends. That's what I've been doing but it also depends who is around.

What worries you more: catching Federer to be No 1 or being caught by Djokovic and becoming No 3?
Yasmin Nabuco

Rafa: None. I am thinking more on me and how I play. If Novak plays better and catches me I would have to accept it. So far I am in good shape.

How will I do playing against Andy and the crowd?

Follow Nadal v Murray with our live commentary

Hi everyone,

Well tomorrow (today when you read this), I have that big match here at Wimbledon. I play against the local player Andy Murray. It is funny in one way since I have always gotten a lot of support here at Wimbledon. The crowds really support me and I really feel it. So tomorrow I suppose they will support mostly Andy. I have been asked a lot about that today. It is normal and I find it normal that the support will go to his side, but at the same time I am sure that they will be very respectful with me and I am also sure they will applaud the good points of both players. I expect this kind of atmosphere and I am sure that if the match is close and good the crowds will get very much into it.

Today I woke up at around 10 and immediately after breakfast i changed plans. I had scheduled a practice at 1 pm but since my mother and sister arrived yesterday I decided to spend some time with them. I saw the sky all cleared and sunny and the forecast was great for the day so I decided to change the practice to 6pm. At the same time I had more time to rest the back of the knee just to be on the safe side. I had a lot of questions today about the knee but as I said yesterday, everything should be fine for tomorrow.

Apparently for the next days the weather forecast is bad. The tournament has been great so far on that regard and you know what, the gentleman in the locker room said to us today that it is not going to rain... Normally the locals know well these things... but I tell them the forecast is not too good.   Let's see.

So, the Euro 08 is over and now it is like if I miss a bit of football. So to kill that, we watched a DVD that an Italian newspaper published a couple of years ago of goals. It is called the best 200 goals, so while we ate, we watched that on the TV. Glad that it is over because we won but on the other hand I miss those matches every afternoon/evening...

See you tomorrow !

Rafa

Questions for Rafa

How is it to play against Andy Murray when you know the crowd won't cheer for you?
Renetta

Rafa: The crowd has always been very god with me here and I always felt a lot of support. Tomorrow it would be normal they give a bigger support to Andy. But here it is always a very polite crowd.

How many times have you watched last year's Wimbledon final? It was such a heartbreaking finish. What have you learned from it?
LC, Canada

Rafa: Never to be honest. I remember it and hopefully I have learned from it.

How come Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova get custom-made outfits from Nike but not you?
Michelle

Rafa: Not a problem, believe me.

When you're in a bad mood, nervous or sad, what do you do?
Axèle, France

Rafa: It is different to be in a bad mood, nervous or sad. When I am in a bad mood I simply don't talk. When I am sad I am in a way that I don't see anyone. When I am nervous I simply behave strange and try to think on different things.

My question is a little bit indiscreet. For sleeping, do you wear pyjamas, underpants or nothing?
Céline, Paris

Rafa: Underpants

Questions for Rafa

I notice in matches you towel off your left arm first, then your right. Does this routine follow you into the shower as well? Lauree, USA

No, not at all. I didn't even realize what you just told me...

I've read that you do forfeits every time you lose a PlayStation match. What is the craziest one you've done so far?  Sara Tang

Many things: from doing the dog at Roland Garros from the players' restaurant to the transportation desk to push ups in the middle of a street, and others I can't tell.

What is your position when you play football? And can tell us if you are good (lol)? Amanda, Belgium

Left forward. I love playing but I can't to avoid injuries.

I read questions about the food you like the most, but which food do you not like? Renske Schoonderbeek, The Netherlands

Cheese, tomatoes, ...

When you want a treat, which type of food do you like to indulge in? Paul, Fareham

Seafood in Mallorca

When you go out with friends, do you drink alcohol? Myranda

Not really. I don't like it too much. Sometimes but never too much. Don't need it to be honest.

If you could go back in time and tell the younger version of yourself something – what would it be?
Zine Stofile, Johannesburg

Rafa Nadal.

Have ever played any of the tennis video games where you are one of the players? Do you play against yourself? Pamela, Montreal

Not really.

Do you have a favourite English word or phrase? Are there any words which you find funny?
Claire

I still have to learn a lot to have these

Do you own or lease your own plane like Federer and Roddick? JL, Delaware

No. But I have had some private flights from time to time. not often though.

I am a science teacher, and I was wondering if your uncle, Toni, taught you about the laws of physics (momentum etc) when you began to play. I think a lot of people fail to realise that science has a lot to do with the game. Jessyca, USA

My uncle Toni is someone special but never went that far to be honest.

Would you consider playing mixed doubles? Who would you play with? You and Serena Williams would make a great team. Yassmin, The Virgin Islands

I don't really have time to play mix doubles. I don't even play doubles at Grand Slams. Mixed doubs ar only at grand slams and I tend to focus only on singles then.

My leg injury can't ruin a family affair

Hi Everyone,

To be very honest with you,  I never thought I would be writing this blog today after a comfortable win against such a difficult player as Michal Youhnzny. We always had very difficult matches and it was a surprise to me the outcome of the match today. I was saying to you that I feel very comfortable and very good playing since I have been practicing great and also playing good at matches. But except for that scare I had today on the second game, I felt great on court.

Talking about that scare I really thought at that moment that I injured myself. I even thought about the ligament since I heard a crack. I was very scared, believe me. Then when Michael Novotny (the ATP trainer) and the tournament doctor came and checked it out, they told me it was normally OK and that I could continue to play. Scary moments when everything goes through your mind. Having to retire on the second game of the match in the 2nd week at Wimbledon is not precisely what you dream about. So the worries are big. But as I say everything is OK and hopefully tomorrow when I wake up the back part of the leg should be fine. I did a precautionary test after my press conference and I should be fit to play on Wednesday.

It  would have been terrible and specially on a personal way now that my mother and sister arrived this morning. Can you imagine? they arrive today and after only 2 games I am out. Same with the crowd, huhh? Anyway, things are well and I am really looking forward to playing Andy on Wednesday. I watched most of the last 3 sets and I am very excited about that match.

Many thanks to all and probably you have noticed I didn't say anything about Spain, huhhh?

Viva España !!!

Thanks

Rafa

Questions for Rafa

Rafael Nadal is writing a blog for Times Online during Wimbledon fortnight and he has also agreed to  answer your questions. Email them to sport@timesonline.co.uk and we'll do the rest. The latest batch appears below:

I went to Wimbledon last year and to the Roland Garros the year before and I had the feeling that you are more supported and appreciated by the people in London than in Paris. Considering how hard Wimbledon is for you, I think this is a plus to help you winning the tournament, hopefully this year. Do you agree?
Cristina Diaz

Rafa: Many thanks. I feel support at both places and I love being here. You might be right that here the crowds tend to support me a lot. I am very grateful for that.

When was the last time you went to the cinema? And what movie did you see?
Lara Ferreira, Brazil

Rafa: I went in Manacor but I can't remember the movie. I watch a lot of DVD's

There are so many good Spanish men tennis players.  Where are the top Spanish women?
Debra Gardner

Rafa: Women's tennis in Spain had two great champions and it is difficult to be there. But there are some great ones coming up.

One of the best days of my life!

Hi everyone,

Well I suppose you all guess what I am going to say first... right?... VIVA ESPAÑA!!!. Spain is the Champion and for me, a big football fan, this is one of the best moments of my life. I don't know how to compare it. Obviously when I win a big title it's incredible but for my country to win Euro 2008 is huge. It made me so happy.

I have to admit I was very nervous before the match. I didn't want to speak to many people. It was like I was going to go on-court to play a big match. I remember that Benito, my PR Manager, wanted to take a video and some pictures and I didn't want to. I didn't allow him and now that I think about it... I wanted to be focused on the match.

There were a few of us watching the match. Apart from my team there was also Feliciano Lopez and his team together with his girlfriend, his mother and father. We were around 15 and we jumped many times. When Torres scored it was great and the final whistle was a big party and celebration for us. What a moment. Spain deserved it, we deserve it. We were the only big football nation that hasn't won a big title in almost the last 50 years. Spain won and played great football.

Questions for Rafa

Are you interested in Japan?What is your favorite Japanese food? Maho

RN: Yes, I love Japanese food. One of my favorite Japanese restaurants is in Melbourne. I love the Tepanyaki and when I see a Sushi place I also stop and eat. This year when I arrived at St. Pancrass coming from Paris I Ssw a Sushi place and stopped there to grab some. I really enjoy the food, very healthy.

Are you ever going to ask Roger Federer to join in one of your Playstation sessions or do you think he's too frightened of your legendary forfeits? Kathy from Aberdeen

Hahaaha, I don't know if he plays. But I am sure he wouldn't be scared at all!

What is the craziest question you have received so far? Courtney

This one because I don't know what to say.

Do you (and the other players)  wear brand new shoes for each match?.If I wore new shoes for the sort of game you have to play, I'm sure I'd get blisters.  So is it new shoes or just amazing cleaning techniques?! Jackie (Wimbledon)

No I don't. I do wear new ones at each tournament and depending on the tournament I can wear up to 4/5 pairs. We also use them for practice so when you get to play they are well. In any case they are specially made for my foot so they are always good and comfortable. The feet doesn't need to get use to the new shoe.

Do you think there are any changes you need to make to your game to maybe reach the final or win on the hard-courts at the US Open? Adam in Nottingham

You always have to learn and improve things. Not only me, it is all of us. I am sure that I will adjust and change things until I can hagve a real chance to win it.

Hi Rafa - Do you spend much time focusing on Federers games or do you only worry about your own results? Brett

I do watch other players play but the main thing is to focus on my own game.

Thanks for your pasta recipe! Do you use fresh or frozen prawns? Do you eat it every day? Frances and Brenda

I use fresh if I can but if I don't find them (here I got some fresh ones from James Major- the Times Online sport editor). And I don't eat it every day but most of the days... My team is starting to go nuts.

Djokovic does a lot of impressions during tournaments, despite saying he wasn't going to do any for a while. Would you not do some of your own to get even with him? Eryn, Liverpool.

No, not the way I am.

It would be interesting for me to know which 3 adjectives describe yourself the best. Thanks, Linda

I leave that for others. But one thing is for sure, I try to be always polite and nice with the people.

Where are you going to put the Marilyn Rock painting that you bought by Daniele Donde? He's an amazing artist! Aybk44

Looks like you know them well, huhh. Well I will put it back at home. Where else?

Vamos Espana!!

Hi everyone,

I just came from defeating Nicolas Kiefer in my 3rd round match at Wimbledon. I am writing this blog straight away after winning and have just finished my work both at the physiotherapist and with the media. Lot of questions about a potential final here at Wimbledon, but not from last year... They ask me about this year! Already!

If you follow me, I always say that I take match after match and don't even look at the draw since I consider every rival very difficult. I said the other day that Gulbis was dangerous and difficult and there you go he took the first set and the second, very importantly for the match went to a tie break. If he had won that set it would have been a different game. That's why I say these things.

Questions for Rafa

Hola Rafa! First I would just like to say good luck with Wimbledon and I really think this is your year. You said in one interview that you had a few movies and books with you to occupy your extra time this year. I was wondering if you could name a few of them.

Jillian Johnson

Rafa: Many thanks. Yes, I have been watching a few movies I brought such as Terminator (tonight I watched it) and The Bourne Identity. I have Terminator because Carlos Moya put it in my bag in Paris one day when we were shopping. He told me I had to watch it. A classic. I also brought a couple of books that I haven't started yet.

Countdown to Kiefer match

Hi everyone

Well, I am still jumping and shouting after the football match yesterday. What a match. Don't get me wrong, simply I just love football and I am happy Spain is doing well. We deserve it. But I am also thinking about tomorrow's match against Kiefer. I heard somewhere that someone said it was not very professional for me to have asked the tournament to put my match early so I could watch the football. I didn't ask them to cancel my match. Come on! I only kindly asked if it was possible to schedule me early ... anyway, jokes aside, I am really focused and thinking about tomorrow's match against Nicolas Kiefer, from Germany. May I say that he is a very difficult player, one that I have played twice this year on a different surface (hard). It’s not easy. I am playing well now but still this will be a difficult game.

Today the surprise. It rained!!! That brought back memories from last year. I had a practice scheduled for 2pm and had to change it to 4pm. I had arrived to the club at 12.50pm to get ready for the practice. When I left home it was raining so I knew practice would be late so I decided to have lunch at the club - pasta with salmon. I think I have eaten less onsite this year than when I used to go home and have lunch there if it was a day I wasn’t playing. The funny thing today was that some pasta got stuck in my throat ... just like the banana a year ago. My physio helped me and everything is okay but it was very funny.

After practice I had to do some a film shoot for something for the NIKE website and the olympics. So it was a busy, late afternoon. It took me over an hour and a half. I always have something on but it’s okay as this way I keep myself busy and the day of the match comes faster.

Thanks to all and hope to write tomorrow.

Rafa

Questions for Rafa

Hello Rafa,
My style of play is the same of you. I´m left hand too and like to use top spin. I woluld like to know how many pounds you use in your raquets normaly, I use 58 pounds if I use more of this have dificult to use top spin. you have this dificult too. I use the same raquet.
Thanks,João Novaes

Rafa: I string them at 25 kgs. (around 55 pounds)

hi Rafa
On 2 occasions during your match with Nicolas Almagro at the French Open you threw the ball up when serving and then caught it and served again.  You apologised on both occasions by saying 'sorry' in English.  It was funny because because you were playing another Spaniard. Do you find yourself speaking more and more English on an everyday basis?
Lynne Davis

Rafa: Hahahahaha. No, but normally we say sorry because it is shorter than perdona or lo siento...

Viva España - my early roll call paid off

Hi everyone,

Well, to be honest with all, if it was for me, I would only talk about football all night. I am writing this blog tonight a couple of hours after Spain has defeated Russia and qualified to play the final of the Eurocup of football. Big night for us Spaniards, very big. I love football and everyone knows it. I had a great time today and I am very proud of what the guys have done. What a match, what a team we have. I believe they can really win the whole thing and that could be historical for my country. I might sound a bit over excited, but you know what, I really am.

I watched the match again at home, at the house I have rented during my stay at Wimbledon. I had my team with me, the people traveling to the tournaments with me, also Feliciano Lopez and his team. We had a great time before and after and I am writing this short blog today before going to sleep.

I have been asked if did really ask the organization to play early. And yes I did. I am not sure if this is very professional. Why not? we can do both, hhuhh? We can play our tournament and also be looking forward to watch football. I did ask to play early so that I could be on-time to watch the match. It is not only the tennis match itself that it was also pretty long (almost 4 hours). But after that I have some work in the changing room with my physiotherapist and then all the media and TV. That takes almost 1.5 hours.

Tomorrow I have that half day off as I call it since after practice I will take it easy and rest. Maybe it is not the right day to go for that ride on The Thames. Maybe next week if I am still at the tournament.

Many thanks to all and allow me to say today: Viva España !

Rafa

It's a really big day for me - and for my beloved Spain

Hi everyone,

Well, today is an important day. Not because of my match, but because for the football match Spain v Russia. I hope you don't take this comment in a wrong way. I mean, my match is very important for me and I am very focussed on it. I want to win and I know it is a very tough and difficult one. First thing first. But I am also excited about that semi-final in the Eurocup. But the Gulbis match will be very difficult since I know him and he is a very promising young player with great shots and specially a great serve. I know it will be tough.

Coming back to football, we will watch it at the house I have rented in Wimbledon with some other Spanish players, coaches and managers. There will be a great atmosphere and we are all very excited about it. Again, don't take me wrong since the tennis is my number one priority... On Wednesday I practiced only one time and I have to say I am feeling great. I feel playing good and hopefully on Thursday I can play at my best.

You might think that I am getting boring with these blogs since I don't talk much, but I think this is more or less a diary and with the fact of having the house so close to the tournament site, I really don't do much.

From the house to the club back and forth. It is great for the concentration on the tournament but not much social life, sightseeing or anything alike. We don't even go out for dinner. Only with the exceptions of a special dinner or things alike.

My uncle Toni, who loves to walk, does go out for walks and even goes to the city if he has a free afternoon or morning and walk. I simply can't do that. Lot of people say to us, well your life looks great with all that travelling. But to be honest we don't have that much time to go out and do what other "normal" people do when they travel. Except on very rare occasions I go out and do "tourism". I did it in during Roland Garros since I had 2 days in between the quarter and semifinals and then it is OK. Also good to break the monotony of the long weeks.

Here I found out that there are boats that go through the river Thames and if I go further in the tournament I am thinking of one day doing it to have a different view of London from the river. We'll see.

Anyway, as I say big day today and hopefully Spain will win (after I pass to 3rd round?)

Thanks all.

Rafa

Questions for Rafa

Rafael Nadal is writing a blog for Times Online during Wimbledon fortnight and he has also agreed to  answer your questions. Email them to sport@timesonline.co.uk and we'll do the rest. The latest batch appears below:

When you do retire, what will you do with your life? Would you be interested in coaching tennis or will you go in a completely different direction?
Teresa Poole

Rafa: I think I am too young to think about that to be honest. I am thinking more in what I need to do to improve. :-)

Hola Rafa, well done on progressing to round 2. With all the travel you do, I'm sure you love to be home in Manacor as much as possible, but if you could pick any other place to go on a holiday, where would you pick and why? Much love,
Gill Leone (London, UK)

Rafa: Believe me I would anyway chose Mallorca. It is simply the best!

Hello Rafa! Here’s my question: If Feli is Fidgiano, David Ferrer is Ferru, Moya is Moyini or Charly, and you are Nadalek, what do you call David Nalbandian? All of you seem to be a very tight group of friends, giving each other nicknames. Also, are there other players whom you’re friends with and you call with a special name?
Anna Katrina Mondala

Rafa: They actually call him "gringo". That's how the other Argentinians call him. I get along well with the Spanish, Argentinians, you know the ones I can talk to without problems with my language.

So happy to have got the first round out of the way

Hi everyone,

Once again I am happy and it is nice to be like this everyday. I won my first round match at Wimbledon and that, for me, it is great news. IT is always difficult, believe me, these first rounds. Today's opponent has a great service and as I said yesterday can hit very strongly. But I played well and specially I served very well. I guess you don't want to hear more of me about the match so I tell you other stories.

It is funny how most of my press conference today and some of your questions are about football. I know football is the biggest sport in the World and I also love to talk about it. So it is cool with me. Specially when Spain is playing the semifinals of the Eurocup. So there you go, I had a lot of questions about my thoughts on the match against Russia, etc. I love answering questions about football but I don't really understand why so they ask me? I know that I am quite popular and what I say is always useful but when they ask me for the ideal 11 playing or things like that it is funny. One other thing is that Giorgio di Palermo, a Tour Manager from the ATP, is really upset with me and some of the other Spaniards around since we gave him a hard time the other day after the Italy v Spain match. Well, he has to remember that when Roma eliminated Real Madrid from the Champions League earlier this year he more or less behaved like this. So here it is my revenge. In any case Giorgio is a great guy so, come one man, don't get upset. We deserved to win and Italy, a country that I truly love and enjoy very much, played simply ugly and bad. But they are the World Champions so respect to them.

I did not mention the other day is that I bought a nice painting of Marilyn Rock by the reccomondation of Daniel Muszkat, who is the representative of the artist Daniele Donde. My agent Carlos Costa introduced me to him and I just loved that painting. Not that I am very much into art but I do like these things and specially paintings. My uncle loves it too. I also got a present today from a sculptress called Louise. Really beautiful so I have to thank her. Last year she already made one of me and gave it to me. She actually brought it to Mallorca and it is really nice of her.

I am sort of shy and when people give me these presents I really have a tough time. I hope they all take it right. It is simply that also my English is not the best so I struggle a bit. But I really appreciate all these gestures.

Many thanks to all and until tomorrow.

Rafa

Questions for Rafa

What was the first match you remember watching from Wimbledon and did you imagine one day you would play a final there?
Vanessa, England.

Rafa: I always watched Wimbledon since I was a kid. I actually don't remember the first match I saw. I always wanted to play the finals. Actually to win it.

Do you find it a bit boring when you have to play the same players in the semis and finals at tournaments (Federer and Djokovic)?
Benedict Watson (aged 7), Wales

Rafa: No, not boring at all. It is exciting because it means I am on the final. But obviously I would prefer "easier" players.

Who is your favourite Spanish footballer is?  I like Fabregas, Torres and Sergio Ramos and want Spain to win Euro 2008. Hope you win Wimbledon too!
Dominic Watson (10 years)

Questions for Rafa

Rafael Nadal is writing a blog for Times Online during Wimbledon fortnight and he has also agreed to  answer your questions. Email them to sport@timesonline.co.uk and we'll do the rest. The latest batch appears below:

What is the one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Kilana, Liverpool

Rafa: Tennis. I have practiced a lot to get better and that's the way I do everything. I work hard.

You have many sponsors, how fun do you have making commercials? Do you feel like an actor? I saw the one you did with Pau Gasol, and it was so funny! Good luck in Wimbledon and hopefully Spain will win Euro 2008 also.
Hannah

Rafa: I actually don't like it anymore. at the beginning you like it. It is new, it is a lot of time but you know. Now I know it is part of my job but that's it. The one with Pau was actually fun because we joked a lot and it was cool. But in commercials you have to do things over and over again and it can get very boring.

Birthday party before the real excitement starts

Hi Everyone,

OK, so tomorrow (Tuesday) I start playing. I am very excited since you all know I love the competition. Last year I arrived early here in London and the wait to start was long. Also we had bad weather and all that, but this year I arrived late to Wimbledon and the wait has been incredibly short. It is actually already Monday and tomorrow we are off to play.

So my days have been easy and quite. No hick-ups. I have been practising and since the weather has been holding we cannot complain. This year the house where I am staying is even closer to the club. Walking it takes me 1 minute or 2 and so I can practice and go home for lunch, watch some  TV, play some PS and go back to practice. We had lunch today and did the normal pasta I always do. Pasta with mushrooms and seafood. We didn't have seafood today so I just put some surinami I think it is called. These Japanese sticks that taste so good. I put a lot of onions before so it is really nice. Carlos Costa, my manager, arrived last night so he came for lunch and we also took the chance to talk about different things. I also talk to him a lot about tennis since he was a very good tennis player and knows a lot so it is always good to have him around.

Tonight we are going to the city since we have been invited to Albert Costa's birthday dinner. His wife has come and has organized this  secret dinner. A whole bunch of people will be there and so no cooking tonight for me. I normally don't go to London during these weeks but tonight it is special so we will be there. The dinner, where? of course at El Cambio de Tercio !!! I think we are over 25 people so I am sure it will be a lot of fun !

I am feeling good and let's see how this starts. You never know with Wimbledon and grass.

Thanks to all.
Rafa

Unbelievable victory brings variety to Wimbledon preparations

Hi everyone!

Today  I am a very happy person. I normally am, but today, after the football match I can't say I could not be happier. We watched the match at the house I have rented in Wimbledon. Me, Toni, Rafa Maymo, Benito from my team, Feliciano Lopez, his girlfriend, Albert Costa, Richy Sanchez (coach of Jankovic), Toni Estalella and Gabriel Urpi (coach of Penetta) are the ones that watched the match here.

Great atmosphere!!! Feli as always very critical with the whole match except with his friends Sergio Ramos and Casillas hahahahahaha. But I suppose because we were all nervous. I hope Spain will win. We broke this June 22nd thing and we won in penalties! I can say I was not nervous before the match and you might think that's normal, but everybody around was nervous. I wasn't because I had a lot of faith on our team, but as the match started and the minutes passed I was starting to get nervous. As the 90 minutes approached then I was really nervous. I am sure you do not want me to do a whole analysis of the match (although I like to do this) but wow. I jumped unbelievable when we won. I believed on the victory but you know it is always difficult against Italy!

So my day, apart from this moment was a normal day at the club. I practiced twice yesterday as I normally do before the competition starts. Once the competition has started then I normally practice only once. We do this, or at least I do it, to save energy for the matches. Unless I am playing really bad and then I need to practice more this is the way I do it.

Then I go to the locker room to debrief with Toni and Maymo. The only negative thing so far is that the tournament only gives us one badge to get into the locker room. That means that Maymo, who is always with me taking care of my body, taping me, etc, can't have access this year to the locker room. I don't think this is normal since he is my physiotherapist, he is a professional, he goes at every locker room and I need him inside. We have asked the organization and they say only one, Toni or Rafa. Very strange and unfortunate. But it is not my tournament so I don't make the rules.

Anyway, for the rest everything well and I'm looking forward to the start of the competition, my competition!

Many thanks,

Rafa

Questions for Rafa

Rafael Nadal is writing a blog for Times Online during Wimbledon fortnight and he has also agreed to answer your questions. Email them to sport@timesonline.co.uk and we'll do the rest. The latest batch appears below:

Hola Rafa! Can you tell me if you need to follow a specific diet during a tournament? Can you get away with eating ice cream every day? Good luck for Wimbledon.
- Tania from UK.

Rafa: Hi, I don't have a specific diet but I do watch more what I eat. If you follow my blog you will know exactly what I eat.

Rafa, if you could do anything in this world, what would it be and why?
-Ayesha Kapedia

Rafa: As of today I would play the semi-finals of the Eurocup with Spain... :-) But I don't know in reality what would I do.

Hi Rafa, welcome back - it's great to have you blogging here in London again!
I was wondering:  in your US blog you said that you bought a cuddly toy (un peluche), as you do every year.  What do you do with them all?!  Do you have a room in which you keep all your trophies and cuddly toys?  Or do you keep them in bed with you? Thanks for your time.
- Emma Chesterman.

Rafa: I have them at home, but I don't sleep with them, that's for sure :-)

Back in London and feeling good on grass

Hi everybody,

I am back in London and back writing this blog. First of all I would like to thank this newspaper for giving me this opportunity to write this blog again here during WIMBLEDON and thanks to all you readers for following me and reading what a non writer like me does. I hope I don't make too many mistakes.

I feel great back here in London, or better if I say at Wimbledon. I had a great week in London after Roland Garros playing at the Artois Championships at Queen's. I didn't think I could win it when I was travelling on the Eurostar (without air conditioning by the way) with my parents and a couple of my team. We went straight from the station to the club to practice and when I first hit my ball the sensations were different. I did feel better on the next day playing doubs and the feeling got better and better every day. So great win, my first title on grass and really looking forward to this year's Wimbledon.

I decided after lifting the trophy to change a bit my plans and went to Mallorca to rest for 3 days. I only got back here to London yesterday and had my first practice at Wimbledon yesterday. As I say I was supposed to come back to London on Monday or Tuesday the latest to start preparing for Wimbledon.

But changed that since I needed 3 days of rest. I have only been at home 8 days in the last 4 months and that's also "thanks" to the fact that I lost 1st round in Rome. Otherwise it would have been only 4 days... Tough. So I needed those 3 days at home, playing golf, being with my family and friends and forgetting a bit about tennis.

I was supposed to play today an exhibition at Hurlingham Club but had to cancel since I did not feel ready to play and could not cheat to the people there. I feel I needed to practice a bit more here and so I decided to cancel that participation.

In any case here we are and l hope you will follow me this Wimbledon.

Thanks. Rafa

Rafa answers your questions: What is it about watching fish that you like so much?

I know this may be a strange question, but many people, including myself, want to know what cologne(s) do you wear? Brandy, Memphis, TN

RN: Hi, I use to wear my own one that a Spanish company designed for me. Now I use Lanvin.

Hola Rafael. Rafa, why are you always late? Whenever I read about you it seems you're late for everything but when it's time to step on court. Well, I've heard that you can be late for that too. Vamos Campeon. Cedrine.

RN: That's very funny. Yes, I am kind of late always for certain things. I am never late for practice. Something that I don't do on purpose. TIme simply goes fast and I find myself late... Sorry. 

Hello Rafa. Congratulations! You won Artois Championship in style! I'd like to ask you this question: Have you practiced at Wimbledon yet? How do you feel about the grass there? How difference between this grass and the grass of Queen's? I mean that is it bounce higher and slower or faster. Thank you very much!

RN: Yes, I started today. I like the grass a lot and I enjoy being here. I don't see much difference at the moment. Let's hope it doesn't rain too much though.

Rafa i love the way you play and your physical presence on the court, what made you decide to build your body in such a way instead of being like most other tennis players? Thanks Daniel Mason, Kent

RN: I did nothing, believe me. I don't go much to the gym. I don't like it. I am just like this and most of my training is on the court. That's where I really like to be.

Greetings Rafael,

My question is about fish. I read that while in New York at the US Open last year you said you liked going to the aquarium to watch the fish.  What is it about watching fish that you like so much?  Do you feel a connection to the natural world in general? Thank you, Naomi Wallace

RN: That was during Australia. In the end I couldn't go but I wanted to. I like the fish in general and I like going fishing a lot as you know. I just like it. Mallorca is a privileged place to be and the natural world there is fantastic. I suppose that's why I like it so much.

Good to have you back Rafa, excellent blog last year!

Do you see your team, Real Madrid, next season lifting the trophy very similar to the one you won last week at Queen's Club, and with or without Ronaldo? Regards, Martin (Ramsbottom, Lancs)

RN: I don't know if it will happen but I hope it does. Would be amazing. Both lifting the Champions League trophy and having Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Real Madrid.

Good luck for Wimbledon. Hope you win it this year. However, looking ahead - given that the US hard court season after Wimbledon is your least successful  - Would you consider playing doubles with Pete Sampras in some of the build up events in preparatioin for the US Open? As he was very successful there and also as his style of play was so different to yours, he could give you some useful hints. Bini Chandaria

RN: Pete Sampras playing doubles with me? Never thought about it. Not sure that would help my game. I am sure he would be able to give me good advice on things but I also have faith in my uncle and we have done things right. I had a bit of bad luck last year with that knee problem. Hopefully this year I will arrive fit and will definitely try to improve my record there.

Dear Rafa,
You just went home for a few days after winning Queen’s. (Many congratulations for your first grasscourt title by the way.) I know you love your Mum’s cooking – what did she make for you for your first dinner after getting home from London? What is your favourite dish cooked by her? Lots of luck for winning the big one this year! Fiona Lamb, Canada

RN: Many thanks. I spent 3 days at home and had a great time. I actually went out with some friends for dinner... But my favorite dish with her is fish anyway.

Hola Rafael, muchas gracias for writing another Blog for us. I wonder if there is also a little bit of superstition with the Blogs during the Grand Slams. In Paris, you have written one for the third time now and won again and you've also had a very good result in Wimbledon the last year when you've also written a Blog. Have you ever thought about that or not at all? I know you always say you're not superstitious. Best of Luck for Wimbledon, hopefully this Blog will be the Blog of the Wimbledon Champion in 2008. Best of Luck, Annika

RN: No, no superstition, believe me.  I think it is great to be able to communicate like this, much more personal. I did the blog from Wimby last year and did not win it so according to you I should change and not write it... :-)

Have you ever tried to hit a baseball?  The way you swing your two-handed backhand sometimes looks just like you are hitting a baseball.  I know that you play all other sports right-handed so it would be interesting to see if you would hit more home runs right-handed or left-handed.  On which side do you think you would be more successfull, meaning hit more home runs?  I hope sometime the ATP invites you to take a professional baseball batting practice when you are in the United States. mamasue

RN: It would be different because I am a natural right handed so would hit it funnily.

Hi Rafa,
It seems like everything is working for you right now - your fitness, your mental approach, your “improved game” and the desired results. It seems like  THIS IS YOUR TIME - YOUR MOMENT TO SHINE. How much is hard work and how much is destiny? All the best for Wimbledon! Reema

RN: Wow, tough question. I don't know. But I do know I work very hard and that I put on everything to win. So i guess you have to look for that destiny to find it, right?

Rafa's back! Starting Friday

Rafa Nadal, the colossus of clay and Times blog sensation, will write exclusively online every day during Wimbledon and answer your questions.

Last year, he took you every step of the way as he tried to win his first Wimbledon crown, documenting all the highs and lows en route to losing over five epic sets to Roger Federer in the final.

This year, he hopes to go one better and has the form to suggest he could realise his dream, beating Novak Djokovic, the world No 3, in the final of the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's only a week after dispatching Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 to win his fourth consecutive French Open.

Meet the real Rafa and find out what makes him tick only on Times Online over the next fortnight.

Email your questions to sport@timesonline.co.uk and we'll do the rest.