Rafael Nadal from the French Open - Times Online - WBLG

Questions for Rafa: dealing with defeat and the curse of the pink shirt

 

Question from The Times
 
Rafa, whatever you tried today did not seem to work and even your famous fighting qualities failed to turn the match around. How were you feeling during the match, and what do you feel were the reasons for your shock defeat?

RN: Thanks, I think I did fight but as I always said, fighting is not enough. I didn't play well and Soderling played well. That was the key and the difference.

How do you react to a defeat like this - do you try to dissect exactly what went wrong, or do you try and forget about it as quickly as possible?

RN: No drama, it's only a tennis match. I always said when I won that it was only  tennis match and that one day I would lose. It happened yesterday and here I am today. No problem. I will have to analyse what happened at the match and try to improve as I always say. I am only 22 (23 on Wednesday) and still young.

I lost but it's not a tragedy

 

Hello everyone and I suppose you understand the reason for not sending the blog post yesterday... Not because I didn't feel like doing it, I am not like that. I simply I didn't have time for it. After the match was over, and after spending some time with my team in the locker room, I had to do all the work at the tournament and went back to the hotel to pack my bags quickly.

My flight was leaving at 10 pm and with the anti-doping control, the press Conference, the TV and radio inteviews and the travel back to the hotel it got really late. We managed to leave the hotel just in time to get on the plane at arrive past midnight in Mallorca. We send a message to the people here and advised them I would do it today.

Catch the cheats but let us have our privacy too

 

Hi Everyone,

I am writing this blog today with a lot of will to talk about my press conference yesterday. It was all questions about the Anti-doping controls in tennis. But I am not going to talk much about this yet since I think it would be quite a long post. I am going to leave it for tomorrow in the case I win and that I will have more time to write about it.

In any case, some people tell me that I should not be talking about these things. I know it might not be politically correct and that it doesn't benefit me in any way. Why? Because some people might think I don't want to have controls or whatever. Wrong. That is COMPLETELY wrong. I am in favour of a clean sport and to have controls to catch the cheaters in case there are any (I believe tennis is a very clean sport). But I do ask for a bit of respect with our privacy and the right that we have under the law to have that bit of privacy. As I say maybe I will explain all this tomorrow and I will say, once again, what I think, because I am convinced about it.

So, today I simply had a normal easy practice day. Nothing really special. Well yes, I did have some time in the afternoon to have a little walk in Paris and even went shopping for something I needed. I don't say what it was so that you have some more questions to ask for tomorrow :-)

Many thanks

Rafa

Ask Rafa: dealing with scary plane journeys and tuna sandwiches

Questions from The Times

Were you surprised at how comfortably you beat Lleyton Hewitt today?
RN: I think I played a very solid match and played very comfortable. I am really finding my best tennis.

Do you feel you are beginning to get back to your best after today's win?
RN: I have been practicing really well since I got here but when it got to the matches I have been not that consistent playing well. I think today, specially in the third set, I really found my best tennis back. I hope it stays and continues.

Robin Soderling, the No 23 seed, is next up, what do you know about him?
RN: He is a dangerous player and in Rome we played a very good match,. The result was not as easy as it looks.

Who of your rivals has impressed you most this week so far?
RN: I think that it is too early to pay attention to this. The tournament is long and there are still days to go that could change many things.

I am starting to get back to my best at Roland Garros

Hi everyone,

Short one today since I got pretty late to the hotel to do this blog tonight. I was supposed to come back from the site pretty fast after the match and all the media conference and interviews but stayed there doing some work with my physio Rafa Maymo. In the end I got back around 8.30 pm and by the time we went out for dinner it was 10 pm. The time simply goes very fast (in all senses) so here I am at almost 1 am writing this blog.

We went to one of my favourite restaurants here in Paris and had one of the best Tuna steaks I have ever eaten. Really good. We were 10 people tonight so what it looked like a late dinner with only a few turned into a typically Spanish late dinner with 10 people around a table. It was good that it was that late otherwise I am sure we would have not found place to eat almost anywhere.

I normally don't eat that late, maximum to go out is 9.30 pm which is late for most of you, right? By the way, I remember an interview I did earlier in Rome this year and when a journalist asked me about the things that get me upset and I said jokingly that my uncle Toni wants me to go earlier for dinner so I can come back to the hotel earlier to get more rest. Today Toni was with us and he didn't complain much for going so late :-). In the end there are not that many things that get me upset... and that was reported every where....

Regarding my match, I really felt great today on court. As I said in the past days, the slow start that I had was nothing new. I always had these kind of starts here and now with the first 3 matches played I am feeling more comfortable playing.

Thanks.

Rafa

Anxious for revenge on Lleyton for a golf thrashing

 

Hello everyone,

Had a nice day today. I like the fact to play the match the day before and today simply wake up thinking I have to go to the tournament site to practice and work on some specific things. I say this since yesterday with the rain there we could have not finished the match. I said it yesterday and I repeat it today. It is very inconvenient at a tournament like this to have to play everyday. Like this, with no play today, things are easier since I just got to the courts in the morning, practiced at 11am, ate, and attended a promotional activity with the Balearic Islands people and government.

You all know, the ones who follow me, that I am always referring to the Balearic Island as my favourite place for holidays. I really like the place, and I am lucky to have been born there since I have it right there. Sure that there are a lot of places out there in the world that are really nice and interesting, but I am honest, very honest when I say that my favorite place are the Balearic Islands. I find it a place where you can find almost everything. Nice weather, nice locations like beaches, cities, culture, food, nice people... in the end this is it. So believe me I am honest when I say this. And I went to their gig today since I am also collaborating with them in the promotion of the islands. Tourism is very important there, the main industry, so it just makes sense.

Well, tomorrow more competition for me and a great match for the fans. I play Lleyton Hewitt who by the way I like a lot as a person. I have had the chance to know him these years I have been playing and he has always been very nice to me, and I am very thankful. Maybe the only exception is when we played golf last year in Miami and he literally killed me... Since them we haven't played again and I am really looking forward to that. But seriously now, tomorrow it will be a great match, I am sure, and I am really excited about this one.

Thanks all.
Rafa

Questions for Rafa: how I once failed PE and my hopes of following in Tiger's footsteps

Questions from The Times

If Real Madrid had been playing in last night's Champions League final would you have found it more difficult to keep your mind on tennis?
Neil

RN: No, it would have been the same. As I said yesterday I am a tennis professional and first thing is first. The most important thing for me is this tournament I am playing and if I have time for other things then I do them. Still I think everything is compatible.

What is your first memory of watching or even playing sport as a child?
Tim

RN: I always, since I was a little kid that I don't even remember I have been playing. Sport is fun, and I played to do sports, for fun.

How hard was it to miss last season's Davis Cup final through injury? Did you find it painful to watch?
Ben

RN: It is tough, for sure. I would have loved to be there and at the Masters in Shanghai. It was very unfortunate for me although the team did great and won. I am happy to have contributed at the ties I played, specially in Madrid.

Questions from readers

Did you feel sorry for Manchester United after their defeat by Barcelona last night, because I know you also like them?
Beccy, Wales  

RN: I do like them, but Barcelona is a Spanish team so I wanted them to win. I am happy for them.

Lleyton Hewitt fights as hard as anyone on court and never gives up, are you preparing yourself for a battle?
David, Scotland

RN: sure, I am always preparing my self. This is exactly what I say to every media who asks me about a potential final. Lleyton is a great player with a great history on this sport and it won't be easy that's for sure.

How are your knees at the moment?
Kate, Liverpool

RN: Very good, thanks. I am feeling good.

If you could change one rule in tennis what would it be?
Isle, Hong Kong

RN: I think I am going to keep this one to my self and discuss it at the next player council meeting. It is not just one...

Do you find it hard to balance your tennis life with you personal life?
Divya Babu

RN: No, right now I know that tennis is most part of my life and I accept it. I also have my personal life and I only ask for respect.

Other than the Spanish players, who are you closest to on the tour?
Eleinee Lopez, Melbourne

RN: Argentinian Juan "Pico" Monaco is one of my best friends.

I’ve noticed this year you are carrying an extra bag onto court for your matches. Why?
Juanita

RN: No, I always carried my Babolat racquet bag and the Nike bag with some extra clothes and shoes.

What was your worst subject at school?
Ashvini, London

RN: Let me tell you that once I got an F at Physical Education...

Many great players become coaches once they retire, although I hope you are a long way from retirement, have you considered what you might do? Would you like to become a coach perhaps?
Sam, Cornwall

RN: No, not yet and I am not sure I could do it right...

If you had to describe yourself in one word what would you say?
Nafeea, Trinidad and Tobago

RN: Normal

Any chance of you turning into a professional golfer once you're done with tennis?
Esperia, London

RN: I probably would like to but I think it will be too difficult. I just play for fun.

Congratulations to 'perfect' Barca, but tennis will always come first

Click here to read Rafa's latest answers to your questions

Hi everyone,

TENNIS AND FOOTBALL
I am writing this blog after the Champions League final. All of us  staying here have watched it here at the hotel lobby and the first thing I want to do is congratulate all the Barcelona team. What a fantastic team. The closest thing to perfection!!!. And I say this first since it looks like this is the only thing people were really caring today was about the football match. Sure I wanted to watch it, you know I love football and I watch a lot but it was kind of funny to have questions in the press conference about me wanting to change the match today to play earlier.

I am a professional tennis player and first thing is first for me. The main thing today was to win my match and then, if I had time, watch the football match on TV. In the end I did both. I managed to win and went back to the hotel to watch the match.

DAY OFF
To be honest with you, the only thing I did really care about was to finish the match today. At some point in the third set, it started to rain. I was saying, please, please, let's hope we can finish the match since in these kind of tournaments it is important to have that day off to practice and improve those things that didn't work well. If the match would have not been finished then you have to go back tomorrow,
warm up for those games and who knows. If you win, you really have that kind of day that doesn't allow you to do much.

TOMORROW
As I say day off with no match but early practice at 11 am to continue to try to improve things. After that I have a promotional action with the Balearic Islands who apart from being my homeland I also support
them and will meet with them at 4 pm together with International media.

Thanks
Rafa

Questions for Rafa: how does it feel to break Borg's record at Roland Garros

 

Click here to read Rafa's latest blog: Congratulations Barcelona, but tennis will always come first

Because you have never lost a match at Roland Garros do you feel more and more pressure the longer you remain undefeated? Steve, Yorkshire
RN: No, not really. I feel the same. I only look at what comes ahead of me, not behind.

Is your left arm bigger and stronger than your right? Claire, Berkshire
RN: Now that I look at it it is bigger...

How does it feel to beat Bjorn Borg's record of 28 unbeaten matches in Paris? Caverley, Chichester
RN: I actually don't pay too much attention to that. I suppose those numbers are for the day when I retire. Now I only look at this tournament.

Questions for Rafa: who will you be supporting in the Champions League final?

 

Click here to read Rafa's latest blog - on the practice court looking to put things right

Questions from readers
 
We know you support Real Madrid and Manchester United, but your uncle famously played for Barcelona. So who will you be supporting in the Champions League final?
Jackie, London

RN: Hi Jackie, tricky question? The answer is easy, I am Spanish so I would like to see the Spanish team win. I like ManU a lot and I always play with them at Play Station but Barcelona is Spain so I will cheer for them. If they would be playing another team not Spanish, I would support them. It will be an interesting match.

Where do you plan to watch the match?
Kate, Wigan

RN: Well I have been scheduled last match tomorrow so it could be I watch it on-site after my match. If not I plan to watch it at my hotel with my team and other players staying there as well.

Who's better at football, you or Andy Murray?
Robert, Wapping

RN: I don't know. Good question. We both like football a lot and I see him paying foot-tennis too. He's pretty good.

Who do you want Real Madrid to buy this summer?
Pepe, Valencia

RN: I don't know. I have my favorite players but this has to be done professionally and with an idea of team according to budgets. Too difficult to answer like this.

What do you think of the Harry Potter movies? Have you watched any of them?
Nicole Chia, Singapore

RN: I have seen a couple, not all of them. I liked them.

Do you think that gamesmanship is a necessary part of sporting success.
Emma

RN: Absolutely. this is very important. In the end sport is a game, tennis is a game. When it's over, it's over and the competition stays on-court.

Do you that Roger Federer becoming a father will have an impact on his tennis (negative or positive)?
Julia

RN: I don't know, you wuld have to ask him and ask those who have been tennis players and had babies. I would think so in a positive way.

What are some of your favourite websites that you like to visit?
Zainab Sairafi

RN: I always look at the press, sport press to see what's going on. I also look at other websites of things that I like.

Are you happy with changes made this year by the ATP? Is there a way to make the schedule less demanding for players?
Gwen

RN: Not many changes to be honest. The calendar last year was a bit crazy, but specially for being an Olympic year. I would have liked Monte Carlo to stay as a Mandatory Event but in the end almost every top player was there anyway.

You have said that you really like your new pink outfit. Does it disappoint you that you can only wear white at Wimbledon?
Ashvini, London

RN: No, it doesn't. I like this outfit but I also know that Wimbledon has it's rules so I respect that.

On the practice court looking to put things right

Click here to read Rafa's latest answers to your questions, including who he will be supporting in the Champions League final

TODAY:

Not much today, just the usual day off after a match. It is true that after the first round match, the tension is not the same as it was last year on the day off before the final. IT is a day that I thought about the match yesterday. Analyze what I did right (not too many things) and what I did wrong. Try to correct things. I went to practice with that mentality, thinking on the things I have to improve. It is important to have a close look at things. Tennis is not maths and you just can't see things and automatically change them, you need to work on them at the practice.

MY TEAM: Now that the tournament has just started, I wanted to talk about the people here with me. I have most of my team here with me this week. Each one of them has its role and they also support me when is needed. My coach and uncle Toni, my physio Rafel Maymo are the ones that came with me on Wednesday night last week.  Carlos Costa, my manager, came on Thursday morning and left. He is back in Paris now and I am sure he would have loved to be in Rome tomorrow watching his team FC Barcelona. Benito, "filete Barbadillo", my PR guy came for the weekend and left Sunday night. He is coming back tomorrow. The doctor, Angel Cotorro, is also here and is a great help in case things go wrong with any injury that might happen. Roy Sakaguchi from Nike is also here, he is part of the team as well as Tuts who will be coming later in the tournament if I am still here.

Questions for Rafa: I like being in the pink, what do you think?

 

Questions from Neil Harman, Tennis Correspondent, The Times
 
What prompted you to decide to play in pink today?

RN: I knew these colours since the moment some months ago Nike showed us the proposed clothing. I like pink, and I specially like this outfit very much. The whole combination I find it really nice. We wear a lot of pink in Spain and I think it is a nice colour. If you look at my website it is also pink for this tournament.

How would you cope with losing a match 6-0, 6-0, as a British girl did on Centre Court, the match before yours, today?

RN: It is tough to lose 6-0, 6-0, and probably to play Centre Court is tougher for some players. The important thing is to always learn.

Questions from readers  
 
What was the toughest part of today's match for you?
William, Sydney

RN: It is always different the first round. I always had some kind of troubles. The most difficult part is to try to find the rhythm, my game.

Slow start is nothing to be worried about, I will get better

Hi everyone.

TODAY'S MATCH. Probably with the answers to your questions on this section I have said it all. Not too many questions about my match today and probably it is better like this. I didn't play great, didn't feel that comfortable on the court as I should have but in the end what counts is that I managed to win. I have to say that also last year I had a bad start. Clearly it is not only because of my but also because the way my opponent, Marcos [Daniel] today, played. As I say, I have had slow starts also in previous years and I am fine with it. Sure I need to improve and get better.

MY EARLY ARRIVALS. Some people ask why did I arrive so early to Roland Garros. Well, I arrived already on Wednesday night so that I could get a good practice on Thursday where I played an exhibition match here in Paris. I like to come early to tournaments. There are not that many tournaments where I arrive late, OK... I arrived on Monday to Queen's in the last 3 years... but I have a good excuse there... When I come to back to back tournaments and I managed to get to the finals I obviously arrive a bit late but if not I arrive early  to get used to the conditions where I will be playing. Specially at Grand Slams I like to arrive very early.

Questions for Rafa: does Roger Federer have a chance at Roland Garros?

Which do you think is the best way to decide the outcome of five set matches at grand slams - by being two games ahead of your opponent in the fifth set, as is the case at Wimbledon, the French Open and the Australian Open or by winning a fifth set tie-break, as is the case at the US Open?
Niamh Kearney, Ireland 

RN: I think the way it is now with a tie-break in the fifth is good. Imagine how many more games and hours I could have played with Verdasco in Melbourne...

When you have kids in the future, would you like them to play tennis and be a tennis star like yourself? If so would you be their coach?
Feng Lu

RN: I would like them to do whatever they want to do, meaning if they decide to become tennis players I will support them. But the most important thing is that it should be their decission. Not sure I will be their coach though...

Did you lose some weight this year (you look a bit slimmer!), and if so, what is the reason for it?
Wendy Pan, China

Greetings from Paris - it's good to be back talking to my fans

Hello everyone,

Back in Paris. Back to play Roland Garros and I was kindly asked to write again this blog. Thank you again for the opportunity you bring me and let me say I have to admit that I was very reluctant to write it again. It is not easy to find words or things to talk about during these - hopefully - two weeks. Because that is the thing, I will be writing this while I stay in Paris playing. That's why I hope it is two weeks. If on Tuesday night there is no more blog that would mean I have lost my first match, my first round here at Roland Garros.

So I hope what I say is not taken too serious or to not serious. I am someone who doesn't go too deep to talk about things openly. I can be very open with my team, with my family these weeks, but kind of reserved with the rest of the World. So what I write about is basically about my day, about how's been, what I've done, who did I practice with, what did I eat, what did I do to "kill" those hours that I spend waiting to play my next match or waiting for my next practice... Those things that are part of my work, of my routine, that clearly are not interesting enough to be written by the media in their normal reports. They have to write about a  tournament that has 128 man and 128 women that are competing here this week.

Send Rafa your questions

E-mail your question to Rafa here

He's back - the world No 1, Olympic champion, Australian Open champion, Wimbledon champion and winner of the past four French Opens is blogging again exclusively from Roland Garros and waiting to answer your questions.

Since beating Roger Federer in Melbourne, the Spanish superstar has gone from strength to strength with further victories in his home country and Monte Carlo.

But those of you familiar with this blog will know that there is far more to Nadal than just a tennis racket and those biceps. The 22-year-old is a dab hand on the PlayStation, swings a mean golf club and loves to eat gambas with his uncle Toni.

As he aims for an incredible fifth straight title in Paris, he will keep you up to date with daily notes on how he's feeling, what he's doing and who he's been seeing. Nadal will also answer those pressing questions that you've always wanted to ask.

E-mail him now and stay tuned for Nadal's first post.