Questions for Rafa: pumping iron, braids and body moisturiser

After a major win how do you celebrate and with who?
Alex Sykes

Rafa: I celebrate with my family, my team, sponsors and friends. That's what I've been doing but it also depends who is around.

What worries you more: catching Federer to be No 1 or being caught by Djokovic and becoming No 3?
Yasmin Nabuco

Rafa: None. I am thinking more on me and how I play. If Novak plays better and catches me I would have to accept it. So far I am in good shape.

Besides Mallorca what other place do you think the most beautiful in the world?
Yasmin, Brazil

Rafa: There are many nice places but believe me I stick with Mallorca. Have you ever been there?

What kind of fitness regime do you follow? Do you do a lot of weight training to get such huge arms?
Zal, Maldives

Rafa: No, I don't do much weight training or lifting. I prefer to work on the tennis court.

I saw a guy who looks like you on the street and he had braids on his head. I think it will look very good on you.]What do you think about this idea of new hairstyle?
Sophie, France

Rafa: Not my style with all the respects to that guy you saw

Do you sometimes get annoyed by fans and all their demands for photos and autographs?
Amandine Scotti

Rafa: No, I understand they want something and I try to give it to them. I hope no one gets upset if I am not able to give it to them.

I'm just wondering if there is a space online where your fans can post pictures to share with you?
Mel, London

Rafa: I think the ATP web site has something like this. Not on mine but I will tell my PR person to think about it. Thanks.

I wanted to ask you if you use body moisturiser on your gorgeous arms! They always look so good!
Claire, Wirral

Rafa: No, not really. Thanks for the compliment.

Do you watch Dr Who and, if so, who is your favourite Doctor?
Muhammad Hussan Syed

Rafa: Nop. Sorry.

I was wondering what cross training you do in terms of other sports etc that help you achieve your balance and co-ordination, or it is just natural? Did you do dance or something similar as a child to help achieve this?
Jacqueline Knox

Rafa: Not really, I use to play football (european) but not much more.

Comments

[Darren Frazier]

Vamos Rafa!

Question: Which "weapon" by Federer challenges you the most? Forehand? Backhand? Serve? Volley? Accuracy? Mental?

Gracias!

[Miguel Angel Aparicio]

Hi everyone,
I'm Spanish and very found of Tenis. What Nadal is getting is simply unbelievable. And even more, he is an example for our young people. His education, his faith, his fairplay make me feel very proud of sharing nationality with him. Believe me : With people as Nadal our world would be better.
I respect Federer a lot, he's a gentlement too, but I do hope that Nadal wins Winbledom; he just deserve it.
Regards,

[Mary]

Braids are too high maintenance and Rafa is a very low-maintenance dude, y'all. :-) Washing and finger combing is about all you can expect out of him, and... strangely.... that is all he needs to look beautiful. Lucky, lucky guy! And lucky us who get to look at him. Sorry, Rafa, for drooling on your blog. I'll leave now. :-D

[Ali]

Hi Rafa,

I don't know you but every time I watch you play tennis and read about you in interviews i am so impressed. You seem like such a normal person and completely unaffected by all your success, which makes you so likable. You are also so much fun to watch on the court and i admire your strength and determination. You are a really good role model.

Two things left (1) I hope you get to the finals and beat Federer (2) I hope that one day in the future you settle down with a very beautiful woman and have lots of cute little Rafas.

[heather roche]

Hola Rafa

You play enthralling tennis and are a fantastic role model for young aspiring tennis players. The last few weeks have been fantastic seeing you achieve so much. There is a great deal of support for you from Los ingleses que viven en Malaga.
Vamos Rafa y gana este Domingo.
Heather

[barbara]

Hi Rafa,

I watch you play all over the world and I think you are the best tennis player ever. Good luck for Friday and, I hope on Sunday. I would love to see your beautiful island. You are such an inspiration, to so many people,

[Emma]

Everyone, leave Rafa's hair alone! No braids, no shaved heads.... It's beautiful as it is, don't violate it!

Rafa, love the haircut, but no shorter, please - not ever- not even when you're 90... :-)

[radhika]

don't you guys read the questions and blog!!! Rafa, does the pasta with just oil mushrooms, shrimps etc. He does not do weight training, how times are we going to ask the same boring questions. Good luck in the rest of the tournament Rafa we are with you all the way ALWAYS!!!

Radz

[Alexa]

I was there yesterday Rafa watching you play and you were quite simply superb. Glad you appreciated my cheering along with rest of the crowd. This has to be your year, good luck Friday and Sunday, I' ll be watching but on TV!

[Emily]

Congrats for beating Murray and good luck in the semies!!! :) Hope you have a good weekend and win!

[Shane, Doris, and Dinah Indiana USA]

It's your time, Rafa! The trophy should have your name on it! We'll be cheering and crying all the way in Indiana for you when you win Sunday!!!

[ieuan]

good luck for the final rafa, i'm sure you'll push the fedmeister all the way, and keep smiling!

[Jo]

Ola Rafa,

Its great watching your game which is replete with energy and excitement!!!!! Good luck with the tournament and hope to see you as a new Wimbeldon champion this year!!!!

[Annie Nason, Cambridge, UK]

Hello Rafa
I am the age of your Grandmother!!, but I want to tell you that you have been an inspiration to me, even though I am older! Your skill, focus, determination and ability to play through the pain barrier and bad points are wonderful to see in someone so young. I can see that you have a very loving and suppotive family behind you. But most of all, your smile cheers and encourages everyone. Well done, and thank you! Keep smiling, Rafa and God bless you.

[Tosin]

Awww, come on, try the braids.
Next time you lose a bet, your friends should make you wear braided hair for a week ;) It'd be really cool.

[ELIZABETH]

rafael if you do not like cheese and tomatoes what sauce do you put on pasta.

[amina]

hi, love your game,good luck for the semi's and the final.hope to see u with the cup in the end