The night eight paparazzi attacked me
First of all I would like to apologize for not sending this blog post last night as usual. I always do it after dinner while I'm at the massage table and my physio works on me. I dictate it and my PR manager writes it. This is how I have been doing it every day. But yesterday we finished late with all the post-match obligations such as TV Interviews and greeting the people that came yesterday from Spain and receiving a media prize. All in all, over two hours of work. That's OK, but then I had told my family that we were going out for dinner. Most part of my family has arrived and therefore we just don't fit in the house for dinner. So we decided to go out. I have only gone out for dinner twice during these 16 days here at Wimbledon. I went out the first time for Albert Costa's birthday surprise dinner and last night. It was late (midnight) when I came back and I was tired. We worked a bit on the table but I really didn't have time for the blog. Sorry.
One thing that did surprise me yesterday was the eight paparazzi waiting for me at a restaurant. I didn't tell anyone I was going out and when I arrived they sort of attacked me. I don't know if this is the right word, but believe me it was strange. Too much. I am a person that always works with media, does interviews with them, works closely with them, but I don't find it fair that when I have a few hours free, with my family, simply going for dinner, they persecute me and get those pictures that they sell. I am a public figure, I understand, but I don't live off publicity. I live off what I do on-court. I work there. But I feel this thing last night was too much. I am not complaining since it is not my style, and I am not going to hide and not go out because there might be paparazzi but I just find it unfair. But as I say this is the way it is and hopefully society will one day go against this kind of people.
Hola Rafael,
Well done, well played guapo! Pleasure to watch you play, alway.
I will teach you some French for next time you make a speech a Roland Garros and you can help me improvemy Spanish.
Enjoy your break.
Con fuerte
Florent
Posted by: Florencio | 8 Jul 2008 14:30:20
CONGRATS rafa you are the real champion. i sat and watched complete match over four and half hours. it is been privilege to watch a match like that.. all the best in the future tournaments keep the good work going and thanks a lot for entertaining us we love you lot and we pray to GOD to bless you with many more triumphs in the coming years
Thanks once again.....
Ravikumar, INDIA
Posted by: Ravikumar | 8 Jul 2008 10:50:22
Hi Rafa,
Im a big fan of yours-you are my favourite tennis player. I just wanted to say congratulations on winning Wimbledon and i hope that you have many more successes in the future (which i can be sure that you will have). I hope that the paparazi leave you alone soon. I'm sure that they will.
Best Wishes
Ben
Posted by: Ben Cullen | 7 Jul 2008 14:30:16
Congratulations, Rafa!! for the incredible triumph at Wimbledon!
I also prayed, and prayed, and prayed for you to win... since things were turning so difficult for you. I love the way you enjoy tennis and the joy of your attitude and play.
Please remain the delicious human being you are. God bless you!
Posted by: Sol | 7 Jul 2008 13:52:21
Congratulations, from Spain, you are great
Posted by: Gloria | 7 Jul 2008 07:51:56
I watched the final at home with my girlfriend and we both cried with happiness when you won the title. With Spain winning the European championship last week and you winning Wimbledon this weekend, this has probably one of the happiest sporting weeks of my life.
Gracias campeón! Viva España!
Posted by: Alejandro | 7 Jul 2008 01:50:04
Rafa ,Rafa Rafa,You had my heart pounding,
I thought I would get a heart attack I so wanted you to win,I prayed and prayed and prayed when you lost the 2 tie breaks and willed you on.i do not pray a lot but I prayed to St Anthony ,my sister tslls me anything she asks him for she gets,I promised him money and I kept increasing it for his Church Collection box so far I owe him 70 euros I think it goes to the poor,but money well spent You won it I taped it and will watch it when I am down.It was a great nail biting match,edge of the seat stuff,you were both great you were the winner ,Congratulations,
Carmel Ireland
Posted by: Carmel O'Brien Mulreany | 7 Jul 2008 01:11:39
Rafa,
What class you displayed today. I am a Fed fan but I congratulate you on your win. You are a legend and so gracious - you won our hearts greeting your family (too cute). You deserve to celebrate for a year as I am sure Fed will be back. Lets spare a thought for the gutted Fed (he looked suicidal) but today the best man won. Superb Rafa.
Posted by: Kavita | 7 Jul 2008 00:49:18
CONGRATULATIONS Rafael! My 6 year old son watched almost every point with us today -- what an inspiration you are to young athletes! Your good sportsmanship, modesty, dedication and hard work, grace under pressure, enthusiasm, mental toughness, and respect for your opponents and your sport are what make you a true champion!!! THANK YOU!
Posted by: Linda | 7 Jul 2008 00:40:45
CONGRATULATIONS
You did it again, and you will do it more times. MUCHAS FELICIDADES RAFA ERES EL MEJOR
Posted by: JUAN LUIS DESDE ASTURIAS | 7 Jul 2008 00:09:42
Congratulations Rafa on a truly sensational Wimbledon win! I completely echo what people have said about this being one of the best ever men's finals, a real privilege to watch. It's so inspiring to see someone display not just breathtaking tennis but such mental resilience too.
Please ignore the terrible paparazzi (so sorry you experienced them) and remember how many of us here in Britain support you.
Again, many congratulations on becoming Wimbledon champion.
Posted by: Amanda | 7 Jul 2008 00:09:04
Thanks for a fantastic match. Both of you were great but I am so glad you won Rafa. (My lovely horses got short changed on their turnout in the field today because I had to get back to see the match. Ha ha!) Was screaming at the telly because I so wanted you to win and so pleased you did. So exciting! Well done!!!!!!! I'm sure you'll win lots more Wimbledons.
Posted by: sarah | 7 Jul 2008 00:03:02
Congratulations Rafa and so well done, you're now the new wimbledon champion and deservedly so after the best tennis match ever, it was awesome.
Posted by: PAM | 6 Jul 2008 23:56:43
Congratulations Rafa! Great match and great determination. I was on the edge of my seat throughout. Thanks to you and Roger for letting me witness tennis at it's very best.
Shannon from San francisco
Posted by: shannon | 6 Jul 2008 23:55:06
I'm so glad you WON!!!!!! I was pulling for you!!!
Posted by: Miss Lucy | 6 Jul 2008 23:53:33
Congrats Rafa.I told my friends that Federer could not beat you if the game went past three sets. Your mental strength reminds me of Mats Wilander whom I considered the toughest player until you came along.
Posted by: Joe Singh (Barbados) | 6 Jul 2008 23:49:20
VAMOS RAFA!
Congratulations on an amazng match and an amazing win!
Posted by: Michelle | 6 Jul 2008 23:46:56
WHOOOOO LOVE YOU RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW DID YOU DO THAT?! I never imagined it was possible for anyone to be that mentally tough - you are totally, uniquely awesome. Stunning.
Paris, London, the world... Have a massive party and ROCK ON RAFA!!! God bless you.
Love,
Emma xox
P.S. ¡VIVA RAFA! ¡VIVA ESPAÑA! ¡¡¡CAMPEONES!!!
P.P.S. Will you marry me?
Posted by: Emma | 6 Jul 2008 23:45:21
felicitaciones por su éxito Rafa!!
The final was fantastic the best match I have seen in years. You throughly deserved the win. I can't wait to see contiune to improve and get the no.1 ranking later in the year.
I hope this is the 1st of many Wimbledons
Sorry to hear about the paparazzi dont let them get you down you seem such a down to earth person
You are a credit to your family and country, Spain should be very proud.
Good luck for the US open
Nicky
Posted by: Nicky Donald | 6 Jul 2008 23:38:22
Congratulations!!! What a great match. Kept me on the edge of my seat for hours. Thanks for the entertainment and what a magnificent athlete you are!! I will be watching!!
Posted by: ladyxx | 6 Jul 2008 23:32:11
well done rafa! i always pray and put my faith in you. today's game is the best that we've all watched. you have a great power in mentality and physically on the centre court. i knew you will win. congratulations!! never give up.
Posted by: susan | 6 Jul 2008 23:23:17
What an amazing win! We were all so thrilled - such courage. Tenacity, courage and guts, all with such a decent persona - an example to everyone. Thank you. It was one of the most thrilling day's sport we will ever see!
Posted by: angie rutter | 6 Jul 2008 23:22:03
well done rafael!!! i have prayed and put faith in you. i have been following your tournaments since in Dubai. you have a great power in mentality and physically today at the centre court. it's the best game we've all watched. i knew you can win wimbledon championship. congratulations again. never give up to win.
Posted by: susan | 6 Jul 2008 23:17:24
Congratulations RAFA
I hope this win brings you an endless era of success, joy and many more wins to come over years.One of the best tennis matches i have ever seen.
Good Luck!!!
Posted by: Ashish Sharma | 6 Jul 2008 22:59:50
What an amazing match...and I didn't even like tennis before I saw you play! Congratulations on your wonderful achievement so thoroughly deserved. You are an inspiration!
Posted by: Helena | 6 Jul 2008 22:59:34