Rafael Nadal from the US Open - Times Online - WBLG

Ask Rafa: the towels at the O2 look nice, have you kept any after the match?

I was sitting quite close to your uncle/coach Toni and noticed he gave you a lot of encouragement during your match. How important is his and the support of your fans to your morale while playing?
Vanesha

RN: Very, very much!!!
 

Dear Rafa
You have said you don't think you'll play until you're 30. Is that because you don't think your body will last that many years, or because you couldn't sustain the concentration or interest?
Love, Emma

RN: I said I am not sure ... not that I won't. I hope I do.

Hello Rafa, are you planning another charity event with Iker Casillas this year? It looked like lots of fun for a great cause.
Love Emily

RN: No, it looks like we are not doing it this year.

Have you ever dreamt of something at night, which happened in the next day, like a premonition?
Alicia, China.

RN: Yes, it happens sometimes. Strange, isn't it?
 

Dear Rafa,
As a long-time fan, I have seen you win and lose many matches. Did you ever get tears in your eyes in the locker room after losing a big match?
Muchos besos de Amberers Chloe xXx

RN: Yes. And also after winning. But not that many times.
 

Hola Rafael. Just on a lighter note, the towels don't look half bad. Have you collected any for a keepsake or for your friends? :) :-)
Mary (Australia)

RN: Nope.
 

Hi Rafa!!
What are your thoughts on Thierry Henry's handball during the France vs. Ireland World Cup qualifier?
JoAnn Chu

RN: I prefer not to comment on this. Thanks

Ask Rafa: could I beat Serena Williams? What do you think ...?

E-mail your question to Rafa

I loved the story of when you were a little boy and your Uncle pretended he'd made you invisible and all your family pretended they couldn't see you! If you could have a coat that made you invisible where would you go and what would you do? Juliette Westbrook-Finch
RN: Yes, it is now a funny story. He used to play these kind of games with me. The thing is that he had the complicity of a few others from the family.

Was there any doubt in your mind about playing Soderling again after the miserable Roland Garros match? I hope not! Jen
RN: No, no doubt because of Soderling. Just another match. I lost again but that has nothing to do with it.

Will you alter your style at all so you don't get so many injuries in the future or will you look at this as an unlucky year and hope for better luck next year? Peter
RN: I don't think my style can change much to be honest. Let's hope I stay healthy.

What kind of training are you planning for the short "off season" this year - do you think anything in particular will help as you go into the New Year with the chance to defend your Australian Open title? Sam
RN: There is no off season this year. Straight into practice and training but clearly working on Physical condition as well.

Do you think you could beat Serena Williams in a five-setter match? Pavi
RN: I know it is not polite for me to answer with another question... but my answer is... what do you think?

Rafa replies: musical of my life is a long way off

What would you think about a musical based on your life and would you take part in it?
Mar

RN: Didn't come to my mind. Not sure it would be an interesting topic.

You were saying that late night matches meant your sleep patterns were disrupted.  How much sleep do you prefer to have when you are in competition?
Angela, UK

RN: 8-9 hours

Did you attend many classical concerts growing up (since your grandfather was an orchestra conductor)?
Robin

RN: Not that much. I did go to see Placido Domingo the day before I went to Montreal and I really liked it.

Can you enjoy the crowd cheering for you, or are you too focused on the match? Also, which tournament has the craziest fans?
Leslie, US

RN: I sure do. It is very important to have the crowds supporting. To the second question probably NYC but in a good positive way!

How much do your personal feelings against your opponents affect your game?
Eva, Minneapolis

RN: IT is hard to play either a friend or someone you like less...

Thank you for stopping to sign autographs on Monday. What would you like your fans to do to pump you up and help you win this tournament?
Alma, NY

RN: It's going to have to be next year.

Having already won six grand slams, do you think you may one day be able to reach the record set by Roger Federer (whichever number that ends up being)?
Paul

RN: I am only thinking on my next tournament to be honest.

Could you explain a bit what the player council discusses? Is it only about the players (schedules) or also about fans, tickets etc?
Chloe

RN: Those are internal discussions and I prefer not to talk about it for obvious reasons of loyalty to the people meeting there.

Have you ever hit yourself in the head with your forehand follow-through?  It looks like you barely miss smacking yourself every time! 
Lauren, Canada 

RN: You are right... but I never did.

Rafa replies: Will I star in a film with Will Smith ...

You're always very diplomatic in public. Are you like that at home? Emma

RN: Am I diplomatic? I am the same at home.

There was a funny rumour that you were going to be in a Steven Spielberg film alongside Will Smith, is that true? Cedrine

RN: Completely false.

In previous US Opens when you stepped in the court you could hear "Matador" by the Cadillacs. Now I hear Bon Jovi and La Oreja de Van Gogh. Did you pick those tunes? Maria, Argentina

RN: More or less. Long story and it is very late tonight. I did ask to NOT put matador, and my PR guy knows I like Bon Jovi and La Oreja...

Do you sometimes miss being able to walk down the street freely and not get tons of attention and screaming fans running after you? Brian

RN: I walk freely, no worries.

I see you as the perfect man, but is there something about yourself you would like to be different? Mary, Australia
 
RN: Some... But won't tell you.

When Andy Roddick lost a really tough match against Isner, did you seek him out or text him? I'm just curious how you and other players handle defeat in a grand-slam tournament. Holly

RN: No, I didn't text him and did not see him since I was at my hotel. I get along well with Andy but we are not that close. Maybe because of my bad English.

What's the most lavish thing you have bought since becoming a pro? Zeeshan Yousuf

RN: I don't know what lavish means...

Have you decided yet if you are playing in the Davis Cup? Val, U.K.

RN: Yes I will
 
I saw your outfits always have electric colours. Who comes up with the colours ideas? Angela

RN: Nike and I chose them with them. I like colours.

What language do you use when you are with Andy Murray? I have heard he learned Spanish when training in Barcelona. Amel

RN: English although I know he understands Spanish. He can also speak a little bit.

Would you ever like to have your own tournament like the Djokovic family have in Belgrade? Kim

RN: I don't think so but you never know.

Rafa replies: My Olympic gold medal is very precious to me

Do you wear sunscreen? Sia
RN: Not normally

When you play on grass, you stand much closer to return serve, and you don't try to run around to hit a forehand on serve returns. Why don't you apply these same tactics on the fast US Open court? Kal Hadi
RN: The bounce is different so you have to be ready in a different way.

I told my Mallorcan boyfriend that you are always very polite and respectful and that you have never broken a tennis racquet. He laughed and said there is no way that you have never ever smashed a tennis racquet. Have you ever broken one? Niamh, Ireland
RN: I have never smashed it or broken it on purpose.

Do you also take the vitamin supplement you take before every match when you practice? Cheenie, Philippines
RN: No, never

I am curious as to where you have placed your Olympic gold medal. Is is displayed nicely or being protected by a sock or something? Rebecca, Los Angeles
RN: At home. It is very precious to me. Special place for sure

I don't like playing late at night - we asked to move Monfils match

Hello everybody,

Remember that at each time I blog there is that day where I don't know what to say? Well, today is that day. Not really sure what I am going to write.

I am in my room with Tuts, the Nike guy from Spain that follows me is here since he arrived today from Barcelona. He arrived and will stay until the end of my tournament. Let's hope he made the trip until the week end. We are here and he is helping me tonight with this blog. The person who normally helps me is not here tonight since he is at the stadium watching Novak play.

We are here watching TV and talking about different things. It's been a while since we didn't speak since I have been away from home now for 4 weeks. Time goes fast. Already 4 weeks competing away. But the thing is that I am very happy since I am playing. One month at home goes slowly, but competing it goes faster. It is funny that people many times want what they don't have. If you are away you want to be home and if you are home you want to be away :-). In my case I want to be playing!

Tomorrow I don't have to awake early. Total opposite since I am only coming to the tournament site at 4 pm, warm up and play last match. Once again I am playing last match of the day. To be honest we requested to play a bit earlier...

Rafa

Rafa replies: My autobiography is on the way and why I love fishing

Do you welcome fame or would you rather be able to play tennis without being in the public eye? Katharine
RN: I love to play tennis in front of big crowds and against the best players in the World. That's something unique and exciting

Do you have any contact with Carlos Moya and do you think he will come back on tour? Saskia
RN: Yes I do, I speak on the phone to him a lot. He is practicing again and will be back at the beginning of next year.

What size t-shirt do you wear when you play? Or are they made-to-measure? Chandra
RN: Custom made. But I think it would be an M

We all know that you are a good cook ... so if you had to cook a romantic dinner for two, what would be on the menu? Anna
RN: Not sure about that! About being a good cook. For a romantic dinner I go out to a restaurant.

I've seen your biography in many of the book stores around the UK, but would you ever consider writing an autobiography? Haychee
RN: Yes I am, but I'll wait a little bit. That biography you've seen I never saw it so I am not sure it is very credible.

Injury will not make me quit, I will give everything on Tuesday

 

Hi,

Not much to say today since most of you probably saw the match.

I managed to win in straight sets which is not bad. Nico Almagro is a player that can cause some trouble since he hits very hard. I had some problems with my serve, nothing new but I am happy that after so much time without competition I am back. I am going to give everything here.

I will go out on Tuesday and compete. Play. There were lots of rumours today before I went to press saying I would retire. Well, that's not going to be the case and you will see me paying on Tuesday.

I simply I didn't want to talk at the press conference about any injuries. I think I have done that to much lately (because I have been injured) but now I don't feel I want to talk about it more.

Rafa

Rafa replies: Lion King is up there with Mama Mia as my favourite

Did you watch the Wimbledon final this year or was too hard to see the tournament go ahead with you? Danny
RN: Yes I did watch it. The whole match.

Did you you have any posters on your bedroom wall when you were younger ? And if so, who of? Kim
RN: Not at all.

What musicals do you like to watch other than "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Mamma Mia"? Deisi
RN: Lion King

I'm curious what it is that Maymo records during your practice and what you do with the information? Holly
RN: I have to ask him, really. He writes EVERYTHING

Questions for Rafa: I'm 100 per cent ready for US Open

Questions from The Times

How are your knees doing? Are you feeling well enough for two weeks of matches at the US Open?
Grace, Virginia

Yes, I am feeling good and today was asked about it. I am 100% ready. Many thanks

I enjoy running (between 5km and 21km) and am interested in the endurance aspect of sport. Do you run long distances as part of your training schedule and if so, do you enjoy it?
Anand

No, I don't normally do this kind on running on practice. Only a bit during the pre-season.

So great to have you back on the tour. What do you like most about New York? Do you have one or two experiences that stand out?
Sarah K

Many thanks. I like a lot of things about New York but I don't have much time to enjoy. I love the musicals here in Broadway and I used to go and see the city. It is tougher for me nowadays.

Where have you ridden your Harley-Davidson motor bike?
Atch2

Back home in Mallorca. But not much to be honest.