The crowd were fantastic - and I played not bad, too

Hello everyone,

Well this is a funny blog because I am writing it for a British newspaper and I have just played their number 1 player. I hope that those of you fans of Andy are not too upset. I think I played my absolute best tennis on half of the first set and the whole 2nd set. I felt really good today.

But I wanted to mention specially the crowd. They were just fantastic. I have said in the press conference that they were extremely fair but I would add now that they were simply the best crowd.
I felt really appreciated when I stepped on court. The round of applause was extraordinary considering I was playing against their player. I only have thank you words for them and repeat that I have always felt really good here at Wimbledon with the crowd.

I would also like to say that Andy Murray is a great player and I have no doubts that he will be very soon in the Top 5. Not Top 10, but Top 5. He has the talent to be there and he will be there soon.

After having said this I really don't have much more words. And I am supposed to write a bit more (I guess...). So let me say to you that today when I was going to the courts at 11.30am saw those clouds and thought it would be a long day... I managed to get early to warm up at noon and after 25 minutes practicing it started to rain. Not much , but enough to have the courts covered and delay some play. That's when I felt I was really at Wimbledon.

Lot of thoughts from last year came to my mind and believe me I felt good. It is funny how you (I do at least) always remember the good things from past situations. It is true that I also remember the bad ones but when something was in the end positive I tend to retain in my head the good memories. Well that's what happened to me today thinking about the rain and Wimbledon. True that I didn't win last year, I was close, but I still remember the good things.

Tomorrow more practice and wait to see who will be my rival in semis. They are one set all and for them it is unlucky they  have to play 3 days in a row (the winner obviously).

Thanks,
Rafa

Comments

[Anne]

Dear Rafa, very best for you to the final tomorrow! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Vamos Rafa!

[errol]

i wish you the best on friday in the semis
and then on sunday whether it is federer or safin.
u r an exciting player yes indeed1

[armel O'Brien Mulreany]

The very very best for the semi finals and the finals on Sunday Rafa,We all love you here in Ireland.
Carmel

[Carrie (Austin, Texas - USA)]

Rafa - I have been really impressed by your play here and at Queen's. One thing that I really admire about you is your constant desire to improve. (I should try to use that mentality more as I have been mired at a 3.0 ranking in league tennis forever- lol)

Good luck in the semis, and then in the finals (hopefully). I am really rooting for you to win the title this year.

[Blueboy1938]

Rafa, you simply need to focus on your game and forget that Roger thinks he owns Wimbledon. As you did at Roland Garros less than a month ago, do not give him an inch of turf to stand on. You had him running all over the place there. He will try to do the same to you here. Don't let him get away with that.

Of course you still have Friday's semi standing in the way. Just look at it as a warm-up. As you noted, whoever you face will be playing for the third straight day. Keep your play as fierce and clean as only you can, and Federer in your sights.

Best of luck in your two tests to come.

[tazza]

Hi Rafa! If you had the choice of being a footballer or a tennis player, what would you choose? If football, wuld you rather play or Mallorca or Real Madrid?
thanks

[ENRIQUE]

Querido Rafa...

I follow your blogs daily, both in The Times and El Mundo... thanks for sharing your feelings with us all, and bringing us, no matter how far from Wimbledon, your simplicity, courage and determination. Keep it up, and all my best wishes for semis.

Un fuerte abrazo.

[shirley]

Well done Rafa an awesome game cannot wait till Sunday I just know you will beat Federer this time. Good luck for Sunday \i will be watching. x

[Anna]

Congratulations on the win Rafa,

The crowd supported you because you are one of the great players and sportsmen.

I thought your play was fantastic, keep going the Wimbledon trophy has your name on it now! :))

Good luck.

[Rachel]

Good luck!

[Gerda]

Hi Rafa, no wonder the crowd was fantastic. This is because they love you and respect you all over the world. Why? Because you have earned this respect with your behaviour on and of court over the years. Best of luck for the semifinal !! You can do it!!

[killian]

Amazing!! You are wonderful! Rest well and save some energy to hoist that trophy--it is waiting for your teeth! :-)

[Meera]

Dear Rafa,

Just wanted to wish you a huge congratulations for yesterday's match- you were simply amazing! I was there on centre court cheering for you of course, I hope our cheers did not make you lose your concentration! Now Espana won the football, I know you have a real chance of winning Wimbledon for Espana too! Buena suerte e espero que ganara a domingo!

Thank you for being such an inspiration.

Meera

[Evonne O]

Well done and please get to the finals!!!

[Emma]

Rafa, the crowd is fantastic because we love you; you're so popular here. Sure, Wimbledon's always polite - but the enthusiasm, even when you're playing Brits, has been earnt by you.

Glad you're learning to love the British climate - you can't love Britain otherwise (and that'd break our hearts). It does keep things interesting :-)

¡Mucha suerte campeón, muchas gracias, y que Dios te bendiga!

love,
Emma xox

[Paquita Perez]

Hi Rafa,
Congratulations on your match yesterday.Wishing you all the best for the rest of Wimbledon.This is your year and wanted to let you know that you are a inspiration to a lot of young people and your passion and determination shine through.Buena suerte y que sepas te esperamos verte el domingo con la copa.

[Orange de Guzman]

Hi Rafa! I hope you win Wimbledon so when I come to watch you soon, You're already a 5-time grandslam champion! Woooot! I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU RAFA!
Te quiero para siempre!

[Stéphanie (martinica)]

Hi Rafa !

Congratulation & best wishes for the semi-final !!!
I think you can do like Spain : win the tournament ! I saw you playing and nothing can't stop you !

Viva España y Vamos campeon !!!!
Besos

[Mike Castro]

Hola Rafa,
Congratulations! I think that you can take the crown. I saw you play against Murray at the Masters in Casa del Campo October last year and you were in top form. I wish I had been at Wimbledon to see that match.

Buena suerte!

[Robin]

I simply love u....would like to see you lift the crown this year and for years to come !!
My best wishes..

[tom, uk]

You were simply brilliant yesterday Rafa and i think you can go all the way and win wimbledon this year! You shouldnt be surprised how much the fans love you here, and trust me andy murray is not as popular as the british media make him out to be.
Good Luck!

[Mike]

Congratulations Rafa, I didn´t have the chance to see your match yersterday but as I read in Spanish and British newspapers you played simply perfectly. I hope I will see you in the final against Federer, which is with you the best player in the world and you both are also two gentlemen on court. Come on Rafa!!

[Lucy Todd]

Well done Rafa!! Once again I am very happy you won, but I think I've strained my voice cheering you on ;-) Hope tomorrow is as good a game xXx

[The Director]

Rafa , I think this is your year, I think that you can defeat Roger Federer in the final.
So keep up the good work and best of luck for the Wimbledon Final.

[shehab eid]

i love rafael nadal