Questions for Rafa: being an honorary Brit, playing against friends and smashing racquets
My daughter, Kathleen, is 12 and hits two handed from both forehand and backhand as you once did. Her coach wants her to play one handed forehand. Why did your uncle decide to have you play with your left rather than right?
Marian, Wilmington, NC
Rafa: My uncle told me that there was no player that played at the top level with two handed forehand. I had to chose and I felt better with my left hand. Now it is my best shot.
Which do you consider a more difficult surface: US Open or Australian Open?
Chris, Texas
Rafa: They are pretty similar both. I have performed better at the Oz Open but it has nothing to do with the surface.
In a match between Real Mallorca and Real Madrid, who do you support?
Rafa: It will depends who needs the win more. I would go for that one.
Do you have any interest in boxing? I'm sure that you have a great right hook!
Mamiko
Rafa: Not at all.
What is the best present you've ever given someone?
Vivian
Rafa: I keep the present personal but I can tell you it was to my father.
Why do you think the British crowd love you so much?
David
Rafa: I don't know but I am very grateful to them. They are fantastic.
Are you more comfortable playing a match against someone you are friends with?
Kat Chiri
Rafa: No, actually it is worse. Funny since we talked about that tonight during dinner.
I admire how you never lose your temper on court. In the past, have you ever come close to losing it or got mad and smashed your raquet or yelled at your opponent or umpire?
Prab
Rafa: No I never smashed a racquet. If I hit a wrong shot it is my fault no the racquet's. I did get upset the other day against Gulbis with the umpire.
Why have you changed your pre-serve routine?
Doris from Hamburg
Rafa: I am just a bit faster not to get warnings.
Who was your sporting hero when you where younger?
Samra
Rafa: I never had a sporting hero. I only looked at my uncle Miguel Angel but not really heroes.
I would like to know when you plan on buying underwear that fits, so I don't have to watch you pulling your shorts out of your bottom every time you walk back to the baseline? You must realise that you do this hundred of times in a game- it is quite annoying and unnecessary.
Other than that, I like you and I hope you win.
Posted by: Eileen | 5 Jul 2008 23:19:12
Rafael you're everyone's numero uno! You're the best, the real deal, knockout player and Mr nice guy off the court. All the best in the world for tomorrow's final, every success is rightfully yours can't wait to see you lift the trophy, we love you loads!! xxxx
Posted by: Lisa | 5 Jul 2008 23:03:34
Rafa. I am YOUR BIGGEST FAN in Taipei. It does not matter that it was already 3 a.m. when you played Andy Murray here. I just had to watch you and just get a few hours sleep before I start work! YOU ARE AN AWESOME PLAYER!
Give it to Roger on Sunday! Lift that trophy and make all your fans all over the world DELIRIOUSLY ECSTATIC! Love you! VAMOUS RAFA!
Posted by: June Chua | 5 Jul 2008 09:20:27
Good luck in the final Rafa. You always make me happy when I watch you play. I think you are a perfect role model for the youth of today.
Whatever happens on Sunday, I hope and wish you will be healthy and happy.
Vamos!!!
Posted by: Ali | 5 Jul 2008 00:53:40
Rafa! I love reading your blog. You are so generous, thanks. It's easy to admire your game but reading your blog has revealed what a great person you are and makes it easier to accept you on the occasion that you may well win Sunday. It will be a great match between the best; very exciting tennis.
Good luck!
Posted by: lisi | 4 Jul 2008 23:08:39
Sunday's match will be very hard; you will play well but Roger will probably have moments of inspiration at crucial times (remember the three aces in row in a last year's 5th set?). Just one thought for you: when you feel all is going to be over and Roger is gonna make it again, just think in the Spanish Football Team endurance and their winning attitude - you are made of the same wood Rafa !! Vamos !!!
Posted by: Michel | 4 Jul 2008 21:25:15
Rafa, what brand of cologne do you usually wear?
Posted by: Maria A. | 4 Jul 2008 21:23:41
Do you think you will be able to run Roger around Sunday as much as you did at Roland Garros?
Posted by: Blueboy1938 | 4 Jul 2008 21:15:52
Do you realise that both your semi final match and Federer's were very close in final scores? RN vs RS 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 RF vs MS 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6,4, did you all decide before the matches that it would be quite good fun to try and get virtually the same scores? Weird reality.
Posted by: kathleen Field | 4 Jul 2008 21:04:12
You travel all over the world. What is your favorite food that you've eaten on the road? And what city has the best restaurants? Hope you beat Roger tomorrow.
Posted by: Elissa hofelt | 4 Jul 2008 17:15:45
Hi Rafaé!!!!
I would like to know why being Miguel Angel´s nephew,(international player who played for Barcelona),you are such a Real´s supporter!!!!!Do you really hate him that much?:) Un saludo.
Posted by: alberto | 4 Jul 2008 15:34:33
Your tennis performance has clearly been improved in the last years.
I'm your fan and I enjoyed a lot when you played in Estoril open
Posted by: Joao Carvalho | 4 Jul 2008 15:28:09
You must know that you are a very attractive guy! Do you get a lot of attention from female supporters and does it bother you?
p.s we think you are a stunning individual with a body, especially bum, carved by angels!!
Posted by: Polly and Bev | 4 Jul 2008 15:02:17
Waw Nadal. People really, really like you. Enthusiastic and brilliant. Modest and respectful. A bloody good lad!, as they say here. All the best
Posted by: fernando | 4 Jul 2008 11:11:49
Salud Rafa! Thanks a lot for writing this blog - it's unbelievable great to watch you playing in the tournament and next to read your own comments for the day you spent. I wish you the best of luck for the semifinal and hopefully for the final! Your russian fans team wish you to bite the Wimbledon Cup soon! Vamos!!!
Posted by: Anna Severinova | 4 Jul 2008 09:39:19
you're very particular about things being in a particular way, has anyone ever knocked over your water bottles just to disrupt your pattern? What would you do if an opponent did that?
i like you, but I support federer, unless next year you let him win roland garros than you can win wimbledon!!!!! :)
Posted by: dahlia | 4 Jul 2008 09:26:20
Good luck for today Rafael. How will you celebrate when you win Wimbledon?
Posted by: Maureen Beer | 4 Jul 2008 07:24:49
Hi! First, I'd say you're really great and I hope you win this year against Federer!!! I wanna know do you have any sort of rituals that you do before a game, like do you pray? thanks!!!
Posted by: lorraine, Manila | 4 Jul 2008 06:57:51
This is your year! Go for it
Posted by: Ann van Noordwyk | 4 Jul 2008 06:35:47
Will all your family be at wimbledon to watch and support you if you reach the final? What I admire about you you are very modest and a fantastic role model I really hope you win this year I am getting excited and nervous myself already good luck
Posted by: j sutcliffe | 4 Jul 2008 06:21:25
will all your family be at wimbledon to watch you if you make the final? I hope you win you have worked so hard you are a fantastic role model good luck
Posted by: j sutcliffe | 4 Jul 2008 06:12:34