Questions for Rafa: where did I leave my warrior?
My daughter is just starting out in tennis; I want to encourage her to work hard and improve her game, but I don't want to become one of those parents who ruin the joy of the sport by putting too much pressure on her. Any advice on what to say? Sue
RN: Very simple. Let her enjoy her time. If she really likes tennis she will be asking you like I was asking my parents to let her play more and more. I wanted to play tennis and I had my uncle there who was taking me to play both tennis and football.
Against Querrey, you seemed to be playing to his strength, his forehand. He ran round his backhand at every opportunity to take the forehand shot and only won a few points on the backhand the whole match. Was this a surprise to you, were you deliberately targeting the forehand or was he using a tough strategy for you to play against? Fraser Hope - Aged 13 - Woking, England
RN: I think he got a bit into my head. I didn't play great and he played really well so I struggled. This is the way it is. I tried things but my game wasn't there. Always a combination of things.
Querrey proved to be a worthy opponent but I am delighted that you found a way to get back from the 2nd set loss to win the match. How did you psych yourself up to come back from that 2nd set? Kate from New York City
RN: He is young and really good. I just tried to stay in the match and get things done knowing I was missing too much.
What do you think about Robinho's transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester City? Has it surprised you? Claire
RN: In one word: surprising. I am sure we will miss him but I hope we don't if you know what I mean.
Do you think current tennis players (such as yourself and Federer) are better players compared to previous tennis players (such as Borg, Becker, Sampras, etc), because of (perhaps) better technical knowledge, better racquets, or whatever the reason might be? Marisa
RN: I don't think so. I am sure the good players in the past would be good players today and likewise.
For last year's Masters Cup in Shanghai, Xian type warrior statues were made of you and the other players. Did you have your statue shipped to Mallorca? Did you put it some place where the public could see it? Bob Gaffney
RN: We asked the ATP to ship it to Barcelona for the tournament. It has been moving a bit. I would like to have it in the future but right now, if I am honest, I don't know where is it. I'll ask Carlos or Benito.
Of the 4 grand slams which centre court is the noisiest? And which grand slam requires the most stamina? Peter
RN: US Open for sure. But all of them require stamina and all you have. They are the Grand Slams and they are the biggest thing.
How do you think the pressure on you has changed since you have become number one in the world? Xenon
RN: Zero. believe me. Zero. THe pressure is the same since the thing is to win the big titles.
I read somewhere you are not keen on the gym so what do you do to maintain your overall fitness levels? Linda, Yorkshire
RN: Playing tennis.
how is the intensity when u and roger play in finals of any grand slam
Posted by: brijender | 9 May 2009 16:04:06
hi nadal how r u able to beat roger in every single when u both play
Posted by: brijender | 9 May 2009 16:00:47
Rafa, I am amazed at your determination to win each point. I enjoy watching you play. I appreciate your kind words about your fellow players and you stellar behavior on the court. I look forward to watching you for many, many years.
Posted by: MomterryOKC | 5 Sep 2008 03:29:30
I hope you were able to rest some today! Last night's match was so late that I had to sleep in because of it even though I watched it curled up in bed and you had to be actually running around playing it! I'm so glad you didn't let that one rude heckler affect your game. The crowd seemed to be very positive. It sure was a fun match to watch!
Posted by: Rebecca from Oklahoma | 5 Sep 2008 03:25:38
Congrats on your win last night!! Unfortunately we don't have cable so I wasn't able to watch it, but I was glad to hear (though not surprised) that you won. I just want to say how awesome it is to see how you always give credit to your opponents and don't make excuses for your few losses. You have humility and class that is rare in any sport. I hope you don't ever change!
From St. Louis, Missouri, Vamos Rafa!
Posted by: Angie | 5 Sep 2008 00:38:15
Congratulations Rafa on all your remarkable tennis. You are such a joy to watch.
Even bigger congratulations on being such an honest and real human being. Pursuing values of human excellence may not be everyones interest, but its been such a pleasure and inspiration for me to find this displayed in such a high pressure, hyped in every way, environment. This is an example that is not going un-noticed and will remain a true legacy long after your wonderful time in the spotlight is over. A rare, very rare, quality. Well done the Nadal team.
To me, you make the world a better place. Keep up the good work. Vamos!!
Lynne - New Zealand
Posted by: Lynne de Simas | 4 Sep 2008 23:10:52
Rafa -
I work in Guatemala at an international school, and the kids here are all in love with you! They love that you speak Spanish, and they all want to learn English just like you, too!
Keep up the good work, and congrats on your latest win!!
~Beth Mildren
Posted by: Beth Mildren | 4 Sep 2008 19:41:45
hey rafa, this time you gots to play a night match, you looked really energetic after that match with fish last night. the days must be so hot there. we saw you put ice on your head in the querrey match, was it because of the sun? must haven't gotten a headache out there
good luck in the semis! :)
Posted by: cherice | 4 Sep 2008 15:34:47
Congrats on your win against Fish last night. Even though I had to get up early for work, I stayed up to watch it. I wish you the best of luck against Murray on Saturday. You say he is a good player but who is number 1 right now? You!!!!!!
Melanie
USA
Posted by: Melanie | 4 Sep 2008 12:57:51
Hi Rafa
Well your 606 fans will be highly delighted with your good solid performance. We thought Fish would come out attacking but as soon as you worked out his game that was it!
It was lovely to see your family cheering you on,and we hope you enjoy your time together in NY.
Well although Andy Murray is a Brit,this is the Rafa Nadal Fan Thread so as usual
En Rafa Confiamos
Vamos!! Good Luck for Saturday,we BBC 606 fans will be cheering you on!
Posted by: Shani H | 4 Sep 2008 08:30:51
I know you say you maintain your physique playing tennis, but there has to be some gym time thrown in there. How else would you develop your non-tennis arm (your right arm) for example? At any rate, you're a great player and human being and I wish you continued success.
Posted by: Khalil | 4 Sep 2008 04:43:59
You should totally put the warrior statue in your garden, like a posh gnome or something.
Posted by: Anna | 4 Sep 2008 03:02:48
Rafa you are my hero and my inspiration! Congratulations on all you have done and all that you have given! I follow your every shot and you are the greatest! I want to put in my hope that you'll keep your sleeveless shirts...shorts would be fine tho, but I think you are perfect as you are! Vamos for a great tourney! All the way Rafa! Love you to bits!
Susanna USA
Posted by: susanna | 4 Sep 2008 02:48:58
Is there much difference between the makes of rackets or do you use what your sponsored with. I know you change your string tension for different conditions but why did you choose the Babolat?
Posted by: SD UK | 4 Sep 2008 01:44:40
I just want to congratulate you, Rafa, on winning the 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for Sports and to wish you the very best for tonight's match. I know you will win this match - trust me - no fish has ever won a tennis match - ever! *wink* I heart U, Rafa!
Contessa ChiChi
Posted by: Contessa ChiChi | 4 Sep 2008 00:45:20
Surely you've got to be doing more than playing tennis to get a body like that. I thought you did some running during training.
It's all good anyway. Keep doing whatever you do. We appreciate the tennis and the body. AND THE SMILE.
Erinna
Posted by: Erinna | 4 Sep 2008 00:23:59
Your answer to Linda, Yorkshire's question (above) made me laugh out loud! (-:
Good luck for tonight.
Posted by: Annie, Cambridge, UK | 3 Sep 2008 20:35:24
Last year you played an exhibition match in Malaysia. When you are going to come to Cape Town, South Africa to play. You have thousands of fans here and they say Cape Town woemn are of the most beautiful in the world!
Posted by: Shihaam | 3 Sep 2008 19:42:20
Buena suerte Rafa !
Posted by: JUSTiNE | 3 Sep 2008 18:19:12
Hello Mr. Rafael!
I've heard that you're a fan of PlayStation. Which games do you play? (Vamos Barca :D)
Posted by: benedikte | 3 Sep 2008 18:17:08
good luck in the match today against FISH. i'm sure you'll do fine. that was very funny answer, you don't know where your warrior is :)
Posted by: cherice | 3 Sep 2008 16:08:12