I struggled today against Sam Querrey

Send Rafa your questions

Hi all,

Well it has been a very difficult day with a difficult match played. I started playing pretty well and for those of you who have seen the match I ended playing not that great. I played good the first set but mid second I could not find my game, played with bad intensity and made too many mistakes. Thank God I could win in the end which is what really matters. It is important to win those matches that you don't play well. It is easy when everything goes well but at these matches is when you really need to step up.

The day started early since I had a car to pick me up at 8.30 am. We left early so that we could get an early warm up and get ready for the match. It is funny, we call the tournaments sites "the Club". This is the way the Spanish players refers to the tournament sites. I am going to the Club, I am having lunch at the club, I am hitting at the club... in the end most of the tournaments are not played any more at tennis clubs. OK we have big tournaments such as Wimbledon where it is really played at a Club. Or Barcelona, where the tournament is played at the beautiful RCTB, Real Club de Tenis Barcelona. Those are clubs and I suppose that the tradition of having those tournaments be played at clubs make us call all the sites clubs. But this US Open is far from being a tennis club. It is a huge stadium and huge grounds that during the year is not a tennis club.

What else can I say from today? not much. You know, it is difficult to know what else to say or write after so many days out of home and at the same place. Probably that is even harder. Everyday is more of the same since we don't have much time to do other things. That's also why I like to answer the questions you send me. It makes it easier. Tomorrow I am going to take it easy and I will try to sleep a bit more than usual. I will try to wake up at around 10am and try to get some extra rest. We are leaving to the club - I mean to the site - at 10.45 for practice.

Many thanks

Rafa

Send Rafa your questions

Comments

[Anny]

I`m sad because you`re living hard times about your right knee`s injury.
We know how important is this tournament Copa Davis for you. But you must know how important is your good health for us. You`re a real champion and try to keep with strenght and hope for the power of healing and you`ll certainly recover soon.

[magnum]

Rafa is the king, and he not gonna leave tennis without making a big impact.

[Gen]

Rafa even if you feel that everyone in the stadium is against you, except your family of course, never fear.

You have millions of supporters all over the world who will stay up all night if they have to willing you on. We may not physically be with you in the stadium but trust me we are all screaming our support and love for you.

Glad to see security found and threw out the moron who shouted out "Marty" just as you were serving last night. I thought the crowd were going to lynch him and he must have felt very small for being such an idiot.

Luv u lots xxx

Vamos Rafa!

[maria gilda montilla]

THIS IS YOUR YEAR RAFA! THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE! SO SHINE U MUST NOW COZ THE ENEMIES ARE GETTING TALLER AND MORE TALENTED! GET THIS U.S. OPEN TITLE NOW! DO YOUR UTMOST COZ THERE MIGHT NOT BE ANOTHER TIME AGAIN! FOLLOW YOUR DESTINY AND BE THE CHAMPION!

[gioconda]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write the blog! Of course, you are donating the money to your foundation. Your family has raised you with wonderful values. You've impressed everyone with your humility and grace. Instead of driving Ferraris and running around with models, you work hard, win tournaments with finesse, then go back to your beautiful warm sunny island and go fishing and swimming with your friends and lovely girlfriend! It's heartwarming, although I get upset sometimes that people take photos of you while you are relaxing...you need privacy, too!

Anway, you inspire me every day, and have changed my life in ways you will not know. You're a beautiful soul, and a transcendental tennis player.

Whatever you do is fine with me. I know you can win the US Open. You've got the goods!

Don't get freaked out by the noise in "the club". You have hundreds of thousands of fans in the US. We are watching you on TV, but we are out here rooting for you! Believe that! We are cheering at the top of our lungs [just ask my neighbors :) :) :)]

[Alen]

It is great to see that you are not unbeatable.:-)
I mean..when you play you look like machine who hates losing,but when you finish match you look like such a nice bloke.
It is almost like you have two personalties!!!

Best of luck!

[Som]

Good luck Rafa for the next round ^^

[Laura - Pittsburgh, PA]

Hi Rafa! I was really scared during your match against Sam. I wanted you to win so much. I was relieved when things started going better and you won. You were digging deep, and I was proud of you for winning since you weren't at your best.
Good luck to you against Mardy. I hope that you play a great match. I like Mardy, too, but you're my favorite player, so of course I'm rooting for you! Best wishes! You can do it, Rafa! :o)

[Bego]

Congratulations on the Principe de Asturias award! you deserve it after so much work and effort. Felicidades de corazón.

[Erinna]

Hi, I always assumed a player would have more time to themselves during a Grand Slam. I can't believe you call 10am a lie in. Good luck for your next match. I hope one day you will teach. Though I don't know if your mental strength can be taught. I tend to think it's linked to your personality which is what makes you so unique. If I was as good as you I would be shouting it from the roof tops.
Stay cool, Erinna

[Mashal]

Hahahahahahah awwwwwwwwwww Rafa your description of the CLUB was too cute! And it makes sense!

The Querry match HAD to be tough! He was a local and he had home support, and he's just 20. You played amazingly well! I was so proud of you! I hope you keep playing like this and win the US Open!

Keep blogging!

[Doreen]

Congratulations! I watch you all the time and the taller players are more challenging to you because your high bouncing, fast spinning ball isn't as hard for them to hit as with the shorter players. Also, their serve gives you more of a problem. Its just physics so your uncle has to come up with a different game plan for taller players. Don't worry RAFA, you are so conditioned you outlast them and even when not playing your best, they are so exhausted they start making mistakes. Just make them run all over the court and wear them out more!! Especially with NOLO - he can't breathe after the 3rd set most of the time. I know you are sick and tired of the same questions by the press over and over. I see you try to be so nice, but you can see it in your face that you don't want to keep analyzing every move. Why don't you just prepare a statement about your game before they can ask you questions - then maybe you could avoid those stupid questions they ask. Anyway, your commercials for the US Open in the bus are hilarious. Thanks for the entertainment.

[Miss Falk]

Hey Rafa,
yeah we watched you struggle but you struggled well. That's the sign of a true hero to win even when you are not at the top of your game. I always have confidence in you. Love the blog, it's just getting better - Swedish gals mentioned and all. Love and lots of positive vibes for the next match. Miss Falk /Sweden

[Meagan, Ireland]

Hiyaah Rafa ! x

Great Win Yesterday Mate, Gave Mee A Bit Of A Fright But Always Knew You'd Come Through In The End .!

Just Said Id Come To Say Good Luck in your up coming Matches .!

Te Amo Rafa,

Meagan , Your Biggest Irish Fan Lol .!

OxOxO

[Paula]

Dear Rafa:
To me, you are El Tigre. Like a real tiger, you are brave, courageous and beautiful. You demonstrated this yesterday in your match against Querry. Seemingly down, you summoned up great courage and strength to triumphantly win. Even though I am proud to be an American, you are my favorite tennis player and it is because of your courage and strength and maturity. Keep on fighting and never give up. As the mother of a young son, I would be very proud of him if he grew up to have that can do attitude that you so wonderfully display. Keep up the good work and God Speed!

Sincerely

Paula-USA

[Laureth]

A few years ago, I was completely mesmerized by a young tennis player who nearly beat a guy named Federer at Wimbledon. I said to myself, "He may have lost but some day that guy will be number 1!" I have believed it through ever match after that. This year, I watched the matches on clay and thought "His game has improved amazingly this year..I think this might be the year he finally takes Wimbledon" And you did. I believe you can take the US Open title this year...but it won't be as easy as it was to take Wimbledon (different surface, physics and so on). But in the three years I've followed your career, I have never been disappointed, whether you won or lost. You are a truly great sportsman, never making excuses for games you've lost and never being too egotistical even when you have won. That is what makes you a truly great player. You will win the US Open, if not this year, then the next. I *KNOW* you have the ability and drive to do it. Just keep believing in yourself as I and many other do, and you will do it. As we fans like to say, "Vamos Rafa!"
Best wishes and regards, Laureth

[Maria J]

Great match yesterday and great win against Sam. It is never easy to play an American at the US Open. Just remember all your fans are watching you on TV and hoping, praying and shouting that you will win the point. We have a lot of confidence in your ability to pull through. Get some rest, build up your energy and eat well tonight. Wish you the very best against your next opponent. Vamos Rafa!!! You're the best ever.

[Kathy]

Hi Rafa! You must be exhausted! Yesterday's match was a real struggle, but you pulled it out, and that must give you satisfaction. I couldn't help notice how tightly wrapped the tape was yesterday (and so did the announcers. Lol!) Isn't that painful for you? It sure looked as if it was. I kept thinking "I'll bet Rafa can't wait to get those off." BTW, the spot the network did on your artistry as a tennis player was great! Perfect analogy IMO.

I hope some arrangements have been made so you can communicate with family and friends. It has to be so hard being away from them so much, especially when there's so much to celebrate.

Looking forward to your next match with Fish. It's going to be another big weekend for #1! Rest up!

[Hiromi]

Hi,Rafa.
Tough match yesterday!
I really am glad that you didn't let Sam break on that moment on the final set !
I was so excited watching and cherring ,I
spilled my cup of tea all over me!!
Ha,ha!

I know you must have been little bit tired,com'n,
you are a human being as well,we all have good days and bad days....

It's hard to beleive that you are playng agaist another American again! but you have fans like us cheering for you from all over the world!!!

Vamos! and Thank you for the lovely blog !
All the best for your next match.

Love,HIromi

[Lily]

Rafa, you really scared me yesterday against Querry!
You know, sometimes the hardest battles are not against the opponent, but against ourselves and it really takes a true champion to be able to battle through adversity...which is why I'm really proud of you for fighting back, never giving up even in that crazy game in the last set when Querry had 7 breakpoints!

Good luck in your next game against Fish!! My whole family will be eating fish...hahah hopefully it'll help you:)
and sweetie please don't put so much pressure on yourself k? You've achieved so much this season already, so just try to go out there and have fun!! and always remember that even if the whole stadium seems to be against you, you always have your fans, and we'll love you and support you whether you win or lose!!

[Stéphanie (West Indies)]

Hi Rafa,

I'm so exciting every time you write a blog. It is simply cool ! I am at university and I haven't got a lot of time to watch TV. Thus, I appreciate this blog, so much, because it allows me to follow your matches and give me your impressions too. Really thank you!!!

[Zan]

Hey Rafa, glad you come through today. However, do yourself a favour, be more aggressive in the match and come in more, especially on receiving serve - "don't lose court", remember? Fish said you don't like to play against aggressive player like him, please show him what it takes to be the No.1.

Good luck in quarterfinals!

[U2ONAIR]

¡Dios mío! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time starting from the second set!! It might have been a bleacher seat... but I was there! You did a very good job at the end, Rafa! I LOVE your forehand winners!! And your fist pumps...

I wanted the third set to be a tie break because I knew you could win a tie break, and you did! I was trying to cheer you on, but the rest of the crowd were cheering for Sam. My 'Vamos Rafa'! was drowned by their 'Let's go Sammy! Sammy Samurai!!'

Truthfully, Sam played really well too. I had the luck of seeing you in person after your practice, and I must say thanks for stopping for a minute to indulge your fans... that was very gracious of you. Sam Querrey also stopped by. I wished you both a good game, but for you I also wished 'Mucha suerte' and I guess that paid off. :)

Whoever did the US Open Draw is one sick joker. They put you down to play against three Americans in a row!! Roger only has to play against Andy Roddick if they both get to the semis. Mardy is a tough player on hard court, and he's had a winning streak here. But I still believe you can win, Rafa!! Don't worry, even when it feels like the whole stadium is behind Mardy, know you'll have our support always! Siempre Rafa!

[Ngoc Bich]

Yeah, it was a difficult match for you. You know, when i watched your match, it was 1a.m in my country. :D. When you won, I was very happy and I jumped. If i woke up my parents, I will not watch your match again :),

Ok, you should sleep more to get your power back. ^^

From Vietnam

[ASOID]

Hi, Rafa! I know you almost lost the game BUT again, your fighting spirit and mental tenacity saved the day! Keep working on your game and your fans will always be there to cheer you on... Never mind if 99% of the people in the stadium are cheering for your opponent... As you said so yourself, keep improving your game and play the best tennis you possibly can.
VAMOS Rafa!