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.

Comments

[Tope Gaye]

I now have the DVD of the men's Wimbledon Final and I must have played it 100 times! What a fantastic match. Congratulations to both Roger and Rafa. I must say however that the mental strength that Rafa showed was amazing and that's what keeps head and shoulders above the rest of the field! Long may it continue!
Tope

[Angelo Maltby]

What a fantastic game of tennis played by the best two players in the world. I have been suffering with depression for a while now and watching you, Rafael and Roger play what must be the best match ever televised, the fact that you won your first Wimbledon, was an absolute tonic for me. With all the evil and doom and gloom going on in the world, it was so nice to see something so good happen. I am sure you both will inspire many young people to get off the street's and do something with their lives. Again, well done Rafael for a fantastic and well deserved win. I hope you and Roger can do something similar next year. Kind regards Angelo.

[Lori]

Rafa,

I am still smiling after the fabulous victory you had on Sunday. My husband was on the tour and now teaches tennis for a living. We often aruge about tennis...I have been a fan of yours for years! He is a purist and has thought Roger is one of the best tennis players he has ever seen. He has always thought you were a fabulous athlethe, loved your determination, but what impresses us all is the what you have accomplished the past two years. You deserved this win. I was crying watching the last few points of the final! I loved watching your parents emotions. I love your relationship with your family! At any rate, I am very happy for you. You earned this the old fashioned way...hard work and determination. You made a believer of my husband as well! We can't wait to watch your next match. You are so good for the game!

[JLo]

Rafa -- you were amazing... and so composed against the Fed! You truly deserved to be the champion this year. Congratulations!!

[Abdul]

"Rodger and out!"
"Federer suffers post nadal depression!"

Can't wait for next year. Is Rodger's wound to deep to heal? Or is this exactly what he needed?

[Leena]

Rafa - well played! What an awesome display. I couldn't move from in front my TV on Sunday and was rooting all the way for you! Well done and many congratulations! You also look quite hot ;-)

[Mohammed]

Hi rafa,

What a great match it was, it was 2 am at night here, still i waited for the last unforced error from federer, very happy to see you win. hope you learn fast to play as good as grass and clay on hard court and win this years US open.

[Steve]

Nadal,

Wimbledon Grass is your new home, matey :)

[Lily]

Congrats Rafa!! You're a true champion in every sense and a great role model!! Thanks for making my bday wish come true!!

Good luck on the rest of the season! I hope your knees don't bother you, and remember that you'll always be #1 in my heart, and in the hearts of all your fans.

[sofia]

vivvvvvvvvvva rafa ure the best !!!!!!
bravo a wimby
kisssssssssssssss :-)

[Paul Murray]

Elizabeth you are vile and should be ashamed to write such nonsense about a great tennis player and a nice young man.
I am a Federer fan but was pleased for Nadal he is a worthy champion He hits winners from nowhere and would not give up. same final next year i hope.
Roger will up the work rate now wait and see.

[Laurie Sale]

Rafa!!!

As a Mom, I am so thankful my two little boys have such a wonderful role model in you. The match yesterday was unreal and we all rooted for you to win. Such a class act you are. Your grace and humility are very rare in this world.

All the best! Laurie from Viriginia, USA

[Fiona McNeish]

Re elizabeth schumann | Monday, July 07, 2008 at 02:26 PM
What an incredibly vile thing to say, and something that would never come out of Federers mouth!
A truly magnificent display from a truly magnificent champion, i cannot wait for 50 weeks to pass to see what happens next year x

[elizabeth schumann]

Rafa, you will never be the man that Federer is, you are cut of the Serena Williams cloth, brash, vulgar, and with suspiciously-bulging muscle ...

[George Stathakis]

I did not know you as well as Roger and my money was on him. Besides, you seemed snooty. By the end of the match your determination and true grit, with the emotion, generosity and sportsmanship you showed after winning have made me your strongest supporter. Thanks for some great tennis.

[Anna Severinova]

Felicidades Rafa!!! You showed a great playing yesterday!! I believed in your victory and that's it - so wonderful final for you, your family, team and fans! I wish you to become number 1 in the tennis world, but for me and your fans you're already!!!!!!! It's your year, a year of Spain - VIVA LOS CAMPEONES!!!
Thanks for sharing your days in Wimbledon with us :-) Thanks Times Online for the great opportunity to have Rafa closer!
Good luck!

[Michael]

Rafa,

You were amazing in winning this match!!!! You are truly a great sportsman. You are humble and respectful whoever you play. I was so so sad for you last year but this year it makes it all up!!!

I was too nervous to watch it LIVE as I wanted you to win badly so when I woke up the next day and saw the news... !!!!!!!!

I hope you will win many more and make me enjoy tennis alot more.

[Abby]

What a match, I was nervous the whole day, I could hardly keep still, as you played the game. There was one thing that I knew, that Rafa will win today, congratulations you deserve it. You are gracious,modest and a wonderful tennis player, you inspire me to work hard with my studies when things get tough. Congratulations Rafa, hope you win many more Wimbledons :) Good luck

[Damaso - Madrid]

As a Spaniard, I feel very proud of you Rafa. I think you are a fantastic ambassador to our country and I thank you for it. And also my thanks to the unique Wimbledon centre court crowd. Their sportiveness is an great example to the whole world.

[Rashmi Dewan]

Hey Rafa...u rocked!!! ultimate game... i always believed that u will take the trophy home..almost cried when u won :) way to go... congrats n good luck for the rest of the career.. once again, U R SIMPLY SUPERB!!

[Sarah]

You were fantastic.

[Pichet Ruchirat]

Hola Rafa!

You have shown us a very good fighting spirit which we enjoyed and wish you all the best to come. God Bless.

Pichet.

[Noel John from Down Under]

Go Rafa. You're the greatest, mate.

[Frank]

Rafa,

I'm so glad you stayed in that match and won it, you deserve it for working so hard at your tennis game. You are the most exciting player for me since Bjorn Borg.

[Bala]

Oh man, you are awesome....
the best part that I liked in you is that you never give up, put in all the energy that you have brought down to earth youself and your attitude in the court is very positive,
You know why have you won??

you knew that you are not in the top yet. Continue with same attitude...