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
Uh, It rained so Federer's match was delayed. I wait for your match and i slept (omg). When I woke up, you was playing 2nd set :). And you played well ^^.
I hope you can meet Federer at the final. I hope.
Have a nice day. And keep your power untill the final match, okay??
From Vietnam
Posted by: Ngoc Bich | 3 Jul 2008 02:40:48
Congratulations again, Rafa!!!
You did a really good job and I feel your play is getting better and better, or more than better, indeed, everyday. I am so relieved that (the weather was not too bad, and) your knee seems to be OK, and you played excellently in front of the crowd in Britain. I am quite sure that your play is quite enough to make them aware that you are the one to come out on top!!
I adore your way to think (or try to think) positively and the way you always act. I can feel your mental toughness through the screen and it cheers me a lot.
Thank you again for your blog everyday.
Have a good rest and good match again ;-D
Posted by: chocolate desde Japon | 3 Jul 2008 03:15:37
Bom dia Rafael!As you said Andy is a good player and if he continue to work he will be in top 10 i´m sure.Know you are in semi-finals which means you can be in final. I told you in the beginning you start writing in this blog that i have a feeling you will win in winbledon and i´m telling the truth belive me but as you said you have to think game by game it´s the right think to do.First i saw you playing was in a match against Federer final 2006 in Roland Garros I knew who fededer was but you i didn´t know you but in that day for some reason i wanted you to win because i saw a lots of potencial in you(i think it was because it was easy to see that you really wanted to Wiiiin) and know you are one of the best players in the world...for me the best but it´s only my opinion.See you tomorrow e Viva la Espanha e Portugal alwaysss.Beijo.Cristina.Portugal
Posted by: Cristina Martins | 3 Jul 2008 08:45:10
Bom dia Rafael!As you said Andy is a good player and if he continue to work he will be in top 10 i´m sure.Know you are in semi-finals which means you can be in final. I told you in the beginning you start writing in this blog that i have a feeling you will win in winbledon and i´m telling the truth belive me but as you said you have to think game by game it´s the right think to do.First i saw you playing was in a match against Federer final 2006 in Roland Garros I knew who fededer was but you i didn´t know you but in that day for some reason i wanted you to win because i saw a lots of potencial in you(i think it was because it was easy to see that you really wanted to Wiiiin) and know you are one of the best players in the world...for me the best but it´s only my opinion.See you tomorrow e Viva la Espanha e Portugal alwaysss.Beijo.Cristina.Portugal
Posted by: Cristina Martins | 3 Jul 2008 08:46:29
Well Done Rafa, That was amazing to watch.
I am Irish and everyone in Ireland is cheering you on like crazy.
Even my Grandad who is 101 and saw Fred Perry play at Wimbledon said that he cant remember a more complete performance.
Good Luck in the semis.
Posted by: Gareth | 3 Jul 2008 08:55:30
Hello Rafa,
I was lucky enough to be in the crowd at Centre Court yesterday and from what I could tell from the people around me, there was a high level of support for Andy of course, but most of us think that this is going to be your year. You played brilliantly and all the best going forward!
-Tina, London
Posted by: Tina | 3 Jul 2008 09:21:49
I love to watch you play your passion, focus and intensity are mesmerising. Being Scottish yesterday was hard for me, I did not know who to support! You were at your best and I am not sure how you produce the shots you hit.
THIS WILL BE YOUR YEAR
Posted by: Anne, Scotland | 3 Jul 2008 09:51:01
You did great - congratulations. Hope you win the tournament.
My boyfriend really liked your shoes, Nike - I think - do they have a name?
Posted by: ceros | 3 Jul 2008 10:07:11
Hi Rafa,
I just wanted to thank you for such a thrilling game against Andy Murray yesterday. As a Scot I was slightly biased in cheering on Murray but I must admit during the second set I found myself cheering you on. You totally deserved to win. I wish you the best in going forward in Wimbeldon and can totally see you beating Federer
Posted by: Mandy, Dublin | 3 Jul 2008 10:08:25
Hi Rafa,
Well done on a brilliant match yesterday.It was great to watch and although I'm a Murray fan I was glad you played so well.Good luck for the semi's and hope you win the tournement.
Posted by: Jayne Clarkson | 3 Jul 2008 10:08:42
Hi Rafa,
Well done on a brilliant match yesterday.It was great to watch and although I'm a Murray fan I was glad you played so well.Good luck for the semi's and hope you win the tournement.
Posted by: Jayne Clarkson | 3 Jul 2008 10:09:19
"and I played not bad, too"
Rafa, stop being so modest.
You were really good.
I supported you even tho my dad is scottish!
Posted by: ayla | 3 Jul 2008 10:13:43
i love rafael nadal
Posted by: shehab eid | 3 Jul 2008 10:14:43
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.
Posted by: The Director | 3 Jul 2008 10:21:15
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
Posted by: Lucy Todd | 3 Jul 2008 11:04:10
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!!
Posted by: Mike | 3 Jul 2008 12:13:18
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!
Posted by: tom, uk | 3 Jul 2008 12:22:52
I simply love u....would like to see you lift the crown this year and for years to come !!
My best wishes..
Posted by: Robin | 3 Jul 2008 12:22:59
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!
Posted by: Mike Castro | 3 Jul 2008 12:50:26
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
Posted by: Stéphanie (martinica) | 3 Jul 2008 13:11:44
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!
Posted by: Orange de Guzman | 3 Jul 2008 13:24:43
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.
Posted by: Paquita Perez | 3 Jul 2008 13:24:55
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
Posted by: Emma | 3 Jul 2008 13:31:51
Well done and please get to the finals!!!
Posted by: Evonne O | 3 Jul 2008 13:37:49
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
Posted by: Meera | 3 Jul 2008 14:10:47
Amazing!! You are wonderful! Rest well and save some energy to hoist that trophy--it is waiting for your teeth! :-)
Posted by: killian | 3 Jul 2008 14:15:43
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!!
Posted by: Gerda | 3 Jul 2008 14:32:07
Good luck!
Posted by: Rachel | 3 Jul 2008 14:50:28
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.
Posted by: Anna | 3 Jul 2008 15:45:49
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
Posted by: shirley | 3 Jul 2008 15:46:07
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.
Posted by: ENRIQUE | 3 Jul 2008 16:18:50
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
Posted by: tazza | 3 Jul 2008 16:35:57
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.
Posted by: Blueboy1938 | 3 Jul 2008 19:27:18
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.
Posted by: Carrie (Austin, Texas - USA) | 3 Jul 2008 21:15:40
The very very best for the semi finals and the finals on Sunday Rafa,We all love you here in Ireland.
Carmel
Posted by: armel O'Brien Mulreany | 3 Jul 2008 22:24:48
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
Posted by: errol | 3 Jul 2008 23:22:50
Dear Rafa, very best for you to the final tomorrow! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Vamos Rafa!
Posted by: Anne | 5 Jul 2008 18:20:27