Questions for Rafa: I don't like a tipple or a tickle

Send Rafa your questions

Hi Rafa, you are a tennis hero to many people and a lot of girls have a crush on you (including me!). Did you have a tennis hero when you were growing up and if so, who was it? Also have you ever had a crush on a female tennis player? Kaz, Melbourne : )

RN: I am blushing now! No, I did not have any tennis hero growing up and no crush in female tennis players...

Hola Rafa, there has been so much speculation about your outfit, so I'd like to hear your opinion. You're playing now in your old outfit, is that your choice? Is there going to be new image of you later this year and what is the reason for that? Hopefully you wouldn't do anything might affect your game. I wish all the best for you! Renja, Finland

RN: Yes I am. It is always my choice. Lots of talks about this. I will slightly change things when I feel comfortable with everything.

Good day to you, campeon! Congratulations to a fantastic 2008 campaign, you deserve all the congratulations your fans and fellow tennis players have showered you with. My question is this: have you had any pets or have you ever wanted one? Thanks and good luck to you on your campaign for the US Open :D

RN: No, I have not and I cannot have any. No time to take care of them

Do you need sometimes to be alone, in silence, with your own thoughts? What did you do in this moments? gracias for making us happy when we see you. Saludos, Florencia

RN: Yes, of course. Those moments are normally before a tennis match. I like to be listening to music and be alone.

Hi Rafa. As an English speaker learning Spanish, I've noticed how much your English has improved. Even in some of your earlier "invented days", you did so well, as it must have been very difficult in press conferences and interviews with questions being fired at you. Do you have a tutor or take any lessons?

RN: Many thanks. No, I don't have a tutor nor take lessons. The people traveling with me help me and again, the traveling helps a lot as you can imagine.

My question is that you seem like an almost perfect person to me, because you are a great player, very modest, humble and have a lots of respect to others. It's hard to imagine but what do you think your weakness is? Love,Hiromi, Canada

RN: Well, I have many. Believe me.

Hi Rafa! I was wondering what your feelings were towards playing doubles versus playing singles.  Do you prefer one over the other, and do you have future goals for perhaps a doubles career as well?  Also what's the biggest challenge in playing with a partner?  Thanks for your time, and your blogs are great Angela Toronto, ON, CAN

RN: I like to play doubles but I can't do it always since my schedule of matches is too busy.

Hi Rafa, Do you use music to get motivated? What’s in your iPod? Mary

RN: Yes I do. I have a lot of Spanish music but not only.

Hi Rafa, I love your performance specially this year - my question to you is, do you have glass of wine when you are having dinner or you stick with non alcoholic drinks? Thank you Rafa and Good luck in US Open. Yudi, a big fan in Egypt

RN: No, I don't normally have wine. I actually don't like the alcohol.

Hey Rafa! I know you are a massive fan of football, but what I want to know is, what do you think of the English Premier League? And have you ever been to a Premier League match? Siobhan, 21, Liverpool

RN: I like a lot the Premier league. The football is really fast and exciting, Now with so many players from Spain there I also watch it even more.

Hola,Rafa! This is probably one of the weirdest questions,but- are you ticklish(carachoso:)? Marija

RN: Not much.

Send Rafa your questions

Comments

[rafa4ever]

Good Match today, Rafa.
I am not alone in regards of not able to post you questions but I enjoy reading your blog very much. You play very solidly last night and your opponent, DeHeart, seemed not uptight either. I fully enjoy your game, they are aggressive and precise, kind of like target practice. I loved to see now your game has matured into a complete package. Together with your low errors percentage, you are a true no. 1 in my mind!
Go Rafa!!
Los Angeles, California

[The devoted Rafanatic]

This is a special message for Uncle Toni. We just want you to know that we think you are a legend.....the greatest coach ever!! Your relationship with Rafa both on and off the court has inevitably carved a smooth road to Number One our dear Rafa. We salute you Uncle Toni. :)

TIO NUMERO UNO DEL MONDO!!

with love, the Rafateers xxx

[Abbie from Cape Town]

Loved your NY red and white look! Please, please do not change. That look is synonymous with Rafa and defines you in a way that is only an advantage. You don't need to change because you are #1. The shorts/pirate pants look more comfortable now and I hope "they" only make small changes to the shorts and not the top and bandana. Vamos Rafa!

[Paul Francis]

If there were no clay courts, would you still be good enough to be number one in the world?

[Natalie (yes, another one!)]

I respectfully disagree, Cheryl, I like when Rafa runs around his backhand...it's cool!
Actually, he could do the Hoochie Koochie around the backhand...if it wins points, I'm ALL for it...and frankly, I don't think we get to decide these things anyway!! (I'm kidding!) :-)

Go Rafa, make the US Open "your house" too!

[Yariela]

Hello! Rafa
Just to wish luck in this tournament, and no matter what happen, this season has been great. Giving you all the support. Your greatest fan in Panama, Central America.
VAMOS RAFA!! Eres el mejor

[maryan unfaitful]

Hi, Rafa! What an incredible year! Congratulations not only for the "Nadal Slam" (RG, Wimbledon and Olympics) but for the new level of your tennis! And this happens in a so hard year with moving tournament dates and fitting the Olympic Games into your already heavy schedule. Maybe the greatest champions have to do it this way! Best of luck and I hope you'll get a nice rest at home but not too early. Mariana

[Andrea]

Hola, Rafa,

Fun match last night. Glad you kept it short. On your clothes - I hope you know most of your fans DO NOT WANT YOU TO CHANGE your style and were devastated when they heard you might become a clone of Roger. Your Olympic look was fabulous – and only you could have carried it off. Please stay with your signature look which is so PERFECT for you – your energy, you style of play, everything. Fabulous. Much love and good wishes. Andrea, from Wisconsin, USA.

[Shani H]

Hi Rafa

Your BBC 606 fans are supporting you every step of the way. Most of us loved the Red and White you wore last night. The atmosphere in NY is always mad and, as you say so different from Wimbledon. We are having a lot of fun on our Thread and it's proving to be very popular with new fans joining every day. Good Luck for your next match and hope you're getting all the rest you need. Vamos!!

En Rafa Confiamos

From the Rafateers on BBC 606 xx

[cherice]

yeah whats up with those fans last night? they weren't loud enough for you. i would have been cheering whole night if i was there :D. keep doing what you do best!

from your biggest fan in the caribbean! <3

[Lichila]

hei Rafa.
i hope you keep doing well on US Open.
By the way, who sais you are too old to wear your pirate pants? i agree with knight(wrote the first comment) that is your trademark. i can even see other ´´Nike`` players with the sleeveless, meaning you have changed the circuit fashion ( Blake,Monfils, Del Potro and even Moyá) are among the people that think sleeveless is so cool now, and all because of you.... Besos

[knight]

Hi Rafa! Congratulations on your great season so far and your victories at the USO. Good luck for the rest of matches/season and, please, don't change your image: the piratas and sleeveless T-shirts are fantastic on you, and the new outfit just looks ordinary (and not too comfortable in my opinion). Besides, the sleeveless + piratas combo is your trademark look, and makes you unique among a bunch of really boring-looking players. Vamooosss!!!

[Cheryl]

Awesome Job tonight against Deheart! HUGE KUDOS!!! I Love to see you playing so well!! That forehand of yours is beyond AWESOME!!

I attempted to ask you a question, but I don't have the right service - I use Yahoo & AOL! I enjoyed reading the questions though - I hope the gals didn't embarrass you too much!! :>)

I had sent you an email a while back, there's something I really want to know -- about tennis, not gals, crushes or singing "The La Bamba". It was very enjoyable to watch you singing though!! I may email you again. Hopefully someone in your camp will read it.

Sorry the USA fans weren't screaming for you more tonight. Wish I could be there since I'm an American, but you know many, many of us are supporting you!!

GOOD LUCK RAFA, KEEP PLAYING THE WAY YOU DID TONIGHT!! (Can I ask just one request? Don't run around your backhand-- it's too awesome to waste)!

VAMOS RAFA!!! :>)