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

Comments

[lisi]

Watched your match with Keifer today and must admit that my favourite, Roger Federer, will be in trouble if he has the honor to meet you in the final! You deserve to win this Wimbledon for you and for your Spain!!

It is your year Rafa!

[rafa4ever]

I just stumble on your blog today. What a beauty. I will be checking it out a long time from now cause it 's so interesting. I am a die hard fan of yours. I love watching tennis especially all of your matches. I taped them and watched over and over again to the point of obsession. As a fan, I jump up and down after all your amazing shots. Before when I watch Roger he is like a magician on court, now I think you have taken over his spot by improving your skills. IMO: If you play like RG and Queen's final at Wimbledon, it will be hard for anybody to take 3 sets from you. But this is by no means the only thing that get me longing to see you in court. It is more of your intense focus in matches, never say die attitude and humble, respectful demeanor off court. Hope this Rafa-like attitude never dies. What set you apart from other players is you put "playing well" above "winning".
Last but not least, wish you the best for your upcoming challenge against Kiefer. It will be a good match since I like Kiefer's style of play too( not his on court behavior though, lol) For all Rafa fans, let continue to support our favorite on court and off. VAMOS!!!!!!

[u2onair]

You won!! Congratulations, Rafa! And Spain won against Russia too!!

So now they will play Germany. But not before your match against Nicolas Kiefer, who also happens to be from Germany! You and La Furia Roja should inspire one another. This is the year for all of you to get your dreams...

[nancy]

Great match with Gulbis today! Congrats! I also watched Spain beat Russia in a fabulous game....they played great! So on to final on Sunday for them. Good luck on your next match....I know this is your year for the big win!

[chocolate desde Japon]

Conglatulations on you and Spain!!!
We all are quite sure that you both are going to come out on top finally... :-D
So much looking forward to see it, indeed.
iiiVamos, Rafa y Espan~a!!!

[ichraq]

Hola RAFA:)
Im so pleased to watch you today wining against GULBIS, you really did well, every time I watch you, you make me dreaming you know!! I m a big fan of You RAFA,I don't miss any match that you plays and I hope you the best luck for the rest of the tournament!!
Im soooo happy cause SPAIN goes to the final, I was encouraging SPAIN during the match as if it was my own country (witch is Morocco actually)
I love you RAFA and I hope I can meet you one day!! I believe in this dream :)
VAMOS RAFAAA
Girl from Marrakech (Morocco)

[ichraq]

Holla RAFA:)
Im so pleased to watch you today wining against GULBIS, you really did well, every time I watch you, you make me dearming you know!! I m a big fan of You RAFA,I don't miss any match that you plays and I hope ou good the best luck for the rest of the tournment!!
Im soooo happy cause SPAIN goes to the final,I was encouraging SPAIN during the match as if it was my own country (witch is Morocco actually)
I love yu RAFA and I hope I can meet you one day!! I believe in this dream:)
VAMOS RAFAAA

[Monia]

Congratulations!!!
Amazing Spain and your thrilling match against Gulbis: what an amazing Thursday

:)))

Besos from Italy
dear Raf

KEEP ON THE GOOD WORK!!!

[Mariana]

Wooow!!
Rafa must be REALLY HAPPY!!!!
spain is winning 3x0!!!!
=)

[A.Joy]

Congratulations on your win today! Also, cheers to the Spanish team's win. Hope you were able to see some of the match.

Good luck as you continue at Wimbledon! Hope to see you in the final!!

[Shivani]

Well done for beating Gulbis. The first set had us scared.

[bearbee_malaysia]

hye rafa!!!CONGRATES..
u won againts ernest!u r great..
i will watch spain in esmi final2 euro also!!and hope they will win..
my friend also said "oo...if ur rafa won,u think spain will win also??"..haha..
he vote for russia!!!but its ok..SPAIN will win!!..
i wonder how is ur fingers now?
do u have blister?u always tapping it..
and do u know,we have site for all ur fans??
it is vamosbrigade.com..
check it out..
we talk about u a lot!!!VAMOS RAFA!!!
good luck for next match with kiefer!!

[Haf]

Got a little nervous watching you today! Well done for getting through it.

Good luck with Kiefer.

[bearbee_malaysia]

hye rafa!!!CONGRATES..
u won againts ernest!u r great..
i will watch spain in esmi final2 euro also!!and hope they will win..
my friend also said "oo...if ur rafa won,u think spain will win also??"..haha..
he vote for russia!!!but its ok..SPAIN will win!!..
i wonder how is ur fingers now?
do u have blister?u always tapping it..
and do u know,we have site for all ur fans??
it is vamosbrigade.com..
check it out..
we talk about u a lot!!!VAMOS RAFA!!!
good luck for next match with kiefer!!

[charlie]

I hope see spain in final that will be great because this team deserves it as you deserve to win wimbledon[....]spain make history.

[Soso972(Martinica)]

Rafael your blogs is boring in no way, do not say that :-), your blogs allows us to know you better, to know what you make, what you like etc....
It is great what you make for your fans!
Kiss
Sloane ( MARTINICA)

[Haf]

Well done on the Gulbis match. Had me on the edge of my seat!!!!

Good luck with Kiefer.

[Anna]

Spain has an awesome team this year. Even if the russian players are like forever going bunnies I believve that with players like Torres and Villa there's a great chance that they'll beat Russia in tonight's game.

Good luck with yar own matches and I hope to see You and Mr. Federer in the final, like last year.

Best wishes

Anna

[Soso972(Martinica)]

holà Rafa!
Congratulation for your 2nd tour, Gulbis was not an easy player but you knew how to remain to concentrate and you have to take away this match!
I like following your matches because I see your evolution, your service for example really well evolved today! You are really for me the best player and the most nice player!
Right now it is in Spain to play its match, I hope that your victory will carry them luck :-) Kiss Rafa
VAMOS ESPAÑA Y TU para Wimbledon!
Sloane

[Stéphanie (martinica)]

Hola Rafa,

Your blog is very interesting and help us to know you better.

I'm following your matchs on the site of the tournament. Congratulation for your victory!!! I follow all the matchs of Spain since the beginning of the Euro. I'm sure that they are going to win (even if Russia shows big capacities).

Vamos y suerte !!!

[Angélique]

I hope the Espana win in football and i hope you win against Gulbis
Vamos Rafa because you are el mejor

[killian]

VAMOS Rafa!!! VAMOS Espana!!! Hope you both have a terrific day!!

Besos.

[sara tang (singapore)]

Hi Rafa, you've done lots of photo shoots for magazines and commercials. which one is your favourite so far and why? good luck for wimbledon!

[ayla]

Do you not go and sight-see because you dont have time or cos people will recognise you?

[u2onair]

I'll be cheering for you today. And of course, for La Furia Roja as well. It's starting to get on my nerves a little, but I'm sure you will be cool and calm. And so will Iker, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, et al. ¡Mucha suerte!