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...

HI Rafa,
Love to watch you play, so exciting !
Just wondered do you ever tape and listen to the commentators who are covering your matches!!!! They are sooooooo complimentary about you, about your game and personality, I think you would get a laugh out of listening to them.
JILL, London Ontario

Rafa: No, I normally don't listen to them because I am playing... :-) or if they speak English then it is more difficult... But thanks for the info. I will thank them too when I see them.

Hi Rafa, firstly congratulations on the French Open and Queen's Club success - you were brilliant!
I am fascinated by the different ways you grip your racket - it is so very different from when I was taught to play (unfortunately I'm 47!). With these lighter rackets and being face on to the ball as it comes to you, how do you get such amazing pace on the ball? All the very best & make it all three tournaments. You deserve it!
Claire Huddlestone

Rafa: Many thanks. Difficult to answer this question. This is how I play and how I was taught by my uncle.

Hola Rafael.
Rafa, I must admit (hope you forgive me) I am a bit envious of your girlfriend. She managed to find a guy that's humble, ambitious, family orientated and very beautiful, that's rare to find. So I was wondering, are all the boys like you in Manacor? And if one was to holiday in Manacor, what top 5 things or hotspots would you recommend?
Cedrine.

Rafa: You should definitely visit Manacor. That's all I can say !!!

Hi Rafa,
Very serious question.  I think I remember you once said you couldn't do something most people also can't do.  That leads me to my question: have you learned how to wiggle your ears?  :-)
Amy, USA

Rafa: :-) Not really !

Hi Rafa ! I admire the fighter you are on the court and hope you will win the title this year !
You explained in previous blogs that sometimes you go to bed quite late in the evening (or very early in the morning!!!). Do you prefer to play your match the day after at the beginning of the tennis session or at the end of the day? Can you indicate your preference to the umpire?
Estelle - France

Rafa: I day like today when Spain was playing I prefer to play early, first round. But it is at 1 pm so it's not that late. I don't like to play very late at night like it happened in Australia last year.

You rule!  I read where you were afraid of the dentist(?)  Is there anything else you're afraid of?  Also, what's your drink of choice, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic?
Marty from Cincinnati

Rafa: I am not that much but I don't enjoy them too much. My drink is Coke and juices. I don't really like alcoholic drinks.

Dear Rafa,
I’ve tried many times to ask you a question – since last Wimbledon last year and my questions never got picked!!!  I hope you do. How did you manage to get a seat in David Beckham’s box with Mr & Mrs Tom Cruise for his last game with "Los Merengues"?  Is David Beckham a friend?  Are you hoping that Christiano Ronaldo signs for Real Madrid next season?   
Adeline, from Malaysia

Rafa: Hummm. Well I was invited there by Real Madrid. I know them well and they always take very good care of me. Tom Cruise happened to be there. I met David Beckham in Madrid when he was playing and also I was lucky to have him come to see my matches. An honour for me. Regarding Ronaldo, yes I hope he comes since I love the way he plays.

Hi Rafa
Are you much of a music fan? Not sure if you know but there are two massive music events happening in England this weekend. The Glastonbury Festival runs all weekend and the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday tribute concert is in London on Friday. If you're stuck for something to do - and are keen to get out of the house - you should head down as some of the world's biggest stars will be at both events. You'd need a tent for Glastonbury though, and some wellies! Have a good weekend
Amy, Harrogate

Rafa: Yes, I love music but I can't go to a concert during the tournament, but thanks for the info and I suppose the invitation !

Hi Rafa. Good luck at Wimby, I really feel that it will be your year. What do you think of all the recent press attention that has been focused on you personal life? Does it annoy you that the paparazzi take photos of your girlfriend?
Best wishes, Anna, Cornwall, UK

Rafa: Actually those pictures are old, 2 years old !!!  I don't like that they go into my personal life but they do. Nothing I can do other than smile. They'll get tired one day. I just think that I am always giving everything to the media, so when I am free, not working I would prefer to be alone not bothered.

Comments

[Ilse Maree]

Congratulations on your stunning win at Wimbledon. Been watching you for a long time. You deserved the win.

[Gary]

Hi Rafa,

I'm not actually a huge tennis fan, but I watch your French and Wimbledon duels with Rodger with great interest. To be honest, I think this might just b your year. One question though... why do u always pull your underpants out of your bum between every point?!

[Rashid Jappie]

I am from South Africa and I want to let you know that you have a lot of fans in S.A. I love the way you play and your attitude on and off court. I hope to watch you play again in Hamburg Masters 2009 as I am leaving for Germany soon. The 2008 final was absolutely fantastic and you are responsible for getting kids to enjoy and play tennis once again.

One more question...Can I have your racket should you win Wimbledon this year?

VIVA LA ESPANHA!

[Maureen]

I am a gogo (grandmother) from South Africa.
Go for it Rafa - you truly deserve the title. I admire your excellence, dedication and commitment. The world needs more like you!

[Oszie]

HI Rafa

Ola , I dont know if you remember me, we played against each other in 2002. Just wondering about your Knee? gave us a big fright. I hope its ok, cause we want you to win Wimbledon this year.

[krunal]

hi rafa i m from india .here tennis is not much ppopular but though i m crazy abt your game. i reallly wants you to win the wimbledon this year.best luck for the game

[veronicaromm]

Good luck Rafa you are amazing and I can't wait to see how your day goes.

[Jenny]

Hi Rafa,
I love watching you play. The intensity, skill and flair you bring to the game is fabulous to watch. The fact that you are good looking helps! :) I really hope you win Wimbledon this year, it will make a lot of tennis fans very happy. I also hope you win a few more French Opens next few years. One question: I didn't quite understand your choice for staying at home to be coach by your uncle - obviously a right decision - instead of going to a professional tennis academy? Best of luck with the rest of your career - you are a great professional, for one still so young!

[Nour]

Wohoooooo....
Spain Spain Spain!!!!!!!!!!!
THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS...

Rafa, I'm truly your biggest egyptian fan EVER!!!! =)

I'm taking some spanish courses just in case if I have the chance to meet you I would be able to talk to you in spanish!!! =)

P.S.: Unfortuntely I didn't manage to see you when you were here in november..but I still have the hope you'll come again and I'll see you!!!

Best wishes for Wimbledon and all the coming tournaments...
You're just the best!!!!!
VAMOS RAFA!!!

[William Chung]

Hey Rafa, given that you are a massive football fan and all, who was your favourite player growing up and which footballer (past or present) did your style of play most resemble? I have a feeling you were a flair player a la Cristiano Ronaldo!!

[Jessica Marques]

Hi Rafa, I listened in a program on tv that those words writed in your hand was some informations about the other player, that´s truth? And i didn´t see this anymore, you decided don´t do that anymore? Beijo, and i hope you win in wimbledon ;D

[Shane, Doris, and Dinah Indiana USA]

Hola Rafa! The women in my family have been watching tennis for many years and we just LOVE watching you play. We love the intensity and the passion that you bring to the court every match! We went to Roland Garros and Queen's to see you this year and it was amazing. We are all mothers of sons and we know your mom must be SO proud!!! We just wanted you to know that we think you are a champion ALWAYS! And congrats to Spain for making the Finals! We may be home now, but we will still be watching you make history! Vamos!!! xx

[agustin]

hi rafa i have to congratulate you for wining queens and roland garros, i ussualy write in spanish because i am argentinien but i know how to speak in english.my dream is to speak to you and to play with you in tennis or at the playstation(winning eleven).

[Mariana Santos]

ahhhhh!
You are soooo cutee rafaaa!!
=]
good luck at Wimbledon!!

[charlie]

Do you think that the fact to lose wimbledon is more a psychological problem or a physical one ?I hope that this year you'll win it as I hope spain will win the eurocup [....]Spain make history.

[gabriela]

hi rafa!
I'm from Uruguay!
you are my idol!
love,
gaby

[rafa_rafa]

good luck for next match with kiefer!!!

[shazryenna_malaysia]

hye rafa!!!
well..Spain defeats russia,3-0!!
big congrates!!!i sure u r jumping when they won!!
i am very sure u will win this time!!
i wondered if u know this site,VAMOSBRIGADE.COM??its all about YOU!!ur personality,ur family,ur xisca,uncle toni..phone that u used..anything about u we discuss there..really hope u spend little time to view the site and see how much we love,care n supporting u!!!i know everything about u from there..dnt forget,view us there!!i love you!!!!so jealous of u..u r one of luckiest men in this world...VAMOS RAFA!!good luck for next match with kiefer!!!

[Alex, Blackburn, England]

Rafa, I know you are a big football fan and support Real Madrid and love your beloved spain. However my question is what do you make of the english premier league and who is your favourite english team. Hope you and spain both win your respective tournaments.

[kathleen field]

Hi Rafa
Looking at the draw this year you must feel that now Djokovic has been knocked out that Federer really has it easy on his side? I am a keen follower of tennis and all your tournaments throughout the year and have some knowledge of players, your side does seem a little heavy with good players does this concern you? Hope you do win as I will be cheering for you all the way! You really do deserve to be number 1 player now so go get it!

[Cristina Martins]

OLá Rafael
Viva la Espanha!Finaly after all these years Spain is in a final.They deserved it.I cant stop saying were a fantastic team, unbeliaveble. I love football and was beautifull...Go rest today and man you must be proud for your team my Portugal didnt won but i will always love my team.Beijo.Hope to see you some that in PORTUGAL.Cristina

[Cristina Martins]

OLá Rafael
Viva la Espanha!Finaly after all these years Spain is in a final.They deserved it.I cant stop saying were a fantastic team, unbeliaveble. I love football and was beautifull...Go rest today and man you must be proud for your team my Portugal didnt won but i will always love my team.Beijo.Hope to see you some that in PORTUGAL.Cristina