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.

Comments

[Kelly]

Rafa...I just want to tell you that you r a great champion and a great role model. I want title after title for you in the future, but most of all I want you to be happy. What a great sportsman, champion, and gentleman you are. I am proud of you.
VAMOS!

[Kelly]

Rafa...I just want to tell you that you r a great champion and a great role model. I want title after title for you in the future, but most of all I want you to be happy. What a great sportsman, champion, and gentleman you are. I am proud of you.
VAMOS!

[jill]

hey rafa, i've been reading your blogs and watching every moment of every match you play for years now. so many things strike me, there are so many things i admire about you - let me name a few.... you're an unbelievable athlete, you're humble despite all your talent, you're a good sport, always praise your opponent, and never make excuses even when you're disappointed, you're fair and honest. but what makes me think you're really a good guy is that you have family there looking after you everywhere you go. i have never been a celebrity-seeker, but if i could have a chance to meet anyone at all, it would be you. take care and don't change.
jill, new york

[Nancy]

Hi Rafael... I think you have played good against Youzhny... You have played with the heart... And I'm very happy to you!
Vamos Rafa!!! good good match...
Nancy

[Susan]

Rafa, thank you so much for doing the ESPN2 in-studio interviews! Your American fans really appreciate it. And I'm sure your character and charm have earned you many more!

[Bug]

You're playing very well this year!!
More slices, more aces, more net points...
I trust in you so much!!

VAMOS RAFA!
=)

[Yanna]

Hi Rafaelito! :) let me say back to you your all-time favourite word 'unbelievable'. you absolutely are! i almost thought that you woulldn't make it and I readied myself to cry, how cheesy i am when it comes to you and your tennis. i was shouting from the depth of my lungs when it became evident that you'd win. I'm so happy Rafa for you and myself too!

let me say it again...
YOU'RE UNBELIEVABLE!

take care of yourself and next time you have a massage on the table, make sure that the table is not set up too high. :)

GOOD LUCK!

- yanna, china

[sumaiya]

hello rafa
first time i have seen any celebrity who really wants contact with his fans. u r doing a fabulous job for writing on ur blog. i really like ur playing style. your answers are very intelligent. u look a very sensible man. good luck for today's match. my prayers are with u. have a good day, take care. well, today u wrote a very long blog thanks again Rafa. u r the best

[Rafa Estranged]

He this was a funny one,especially about the gambas! :-) I see you really like pasta, you always mention it! :-) I just hope you don't eat it with Nutella! Hehe (just kidding ;-))

[chloé]

Hola RAFA,
I believe in you but yesterday you really impressed us.
You have the force of a winner and you proved it
well to us.
Sincerely cheer!

[Clara]

Congratulations for this match !!
I've been frightened for you during the match but you're always able to fight and to win ! :D
Mum says that you should win again today because she doesn't like when I jump on the sofa, because of the difficult match !!
Congrats, again, again and again =)