Rafael Nadal - New Times Blog Entry

Hello everyone,

Kind of late today writing this blog after I had a quiet dinner at my house with my team and family. More or less like a typical Sunday although with Spanish times!

It was a really beautiful day today, very sunny and warm and I have to say that with days like this it is difficult to find a nicer place than the UK. So green and nice it is just amazing!

Thanks for all your support

Rafa

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

A few more enteries from Rafa

Ask Rafa: I may get involved in football when I retire from tennis

Rafael Nadal  Yesterday, 11:55PM

Q&A: Get your questions into Rafa by e-mailing rafa@timesonline.co.uk and follow his progress in his own words.

Hola Rafa! In a few years time, do you think that you will enter the doubles in Grand Slam tournaments as well? I would love to see you and Marc winning Wimbledon together! Kim Mackenzie
Hi, I don't think that I will do this. It is already a lot with singles and to also play doubles at Grand Slams would be very difficult. Not easy either to win! But thanks!

When you play doubles, what part of your game does it help improve? What do you learn from Marc when you play doubles with him? AtchIt's all about doubles today, huhh? It helps a lot movements, serve and volley. I like to play doubles! Marc is actually a very talented player and his "globo" (overhead?) is very, very good!

Hi Rafa! I will be visiting Mallorca this summer. Is there any place in particular that you can recommend to visit? (apart from the beautiful Porto Cristo and Manacor of course!) Kim Mackenzie
I think there are a lot of places that are nice! Not only in Mallorca but also in the Balearic islands. Formentera and obviously Ibiza are very nice. It also depends how you go, with family? Young age? etc. Give me more info and I give you a better tip! :-)

Hi Rafa, I found out that you trained with Rendy Lu again today. I'm wondering the main reasons you consider for choosing the partner to warm up with before your match, his game, his records in this tournament or just a random choice? Rachel, Taiwan
Yes I did. Rafa knows his coach and we have practiced a few times. As simple as that!

When was the last time you played a match at Wimbledon other than Centre Court or Court one?  Do you think there is a point in Serena Williams’ moan recently about “some players” always get to play at the show courts and others (like her) get moved around?   Sharon LamI think it was against Youhzny 4/5 years ago? I would haver to check that but I am pretty sure. I see Serena's point and also the Championships so I prefer not to go into this!

I'm trying to run a business, and I'm in between you and Rory McIlroy in terms of age, and seem to have the world on my shoulders. I would love to know how a man in his mid twenties can handle this kind of pressure. But if you were to give one tip about temperament, and how you manage to pick yourself up after a fall, what would it be? Tom Nicholson
Wow, this is a really difficult one! I am actually playing tennis, in the end it is only a game. True that we have a lot of pressure but I suppose your thing is more complicated. I can imagine you also get trained to what you do and I am sure you know what to do.

It was interesting to see you on the bike in your interview with Dutch T.V.  Do you view biking as a training too only or do you enjoy it? ChristieYes I do some biking when I am at home in Manacor. But I don't remember that interview well. Dutch TV?

After Feliciano Lopez's brilliant win against Roddick, how good a chance do you think he has of winning the tournament? Good luck in the next round! Katharine.
He is playing well and that was a great win. He is again on the second week of the tournament and that's great for him. Still lot's of matches so we'll see how it goes for him and for all of us!

Since a lot of professional and popular tennis players chose to buy a house and stay there for good in countries like US, Australia, and London, what made you choose to still stay and never leave Mallorca? Alison.
Because for me it is the best place to live. It has got everything I need, weather, food, sea, and most important it is my home where my family and friends are.

I know retiring from the tennis scene is not in your mind right now, but do you have a specific target age for your retirement? What would be your plans or how do you see yourself after leaving the tennis scene professionally? ChayNo not really. Lately I have been thinking about football and how much I enjoy that world. Maybe I'll get more involved on it since I am already involved with RCD Mallorca, the football team!

Gearing up for second week with my new discovery: Japanese food

 

Rafael Nadal 9 hours ago

Hello everyone,

I am writing this blog before going for dinner. Normally I always write it after I go for dinner either here at the house in Wimbledon or at a restaurant, but today since I am going out for dinner to London, to the city I thought I could write it now.

I will go to one of my favorite places in London and it is not this time El Cambio de Tercio which you all know. I am going to a Japanese restaurant that I really enjoy much here. I love also Japanese food. I had never been to Japan before till this year and I have to say that I also enjoyed very much my time there and the food. Since my girlfriend came today I will go out with her and enjoy a quite dinner (as quite as possible) and come back soon to rest.

Tomorrow there is no play as every mid Sunday here at Wimbledon son an easy practice, and back home to get ready to play on Monday, We are again on the second week of a tournament and that's alway important! We'll see how it goes. Not easy!

Thanks all for your support.

Rafa

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

I had completely forgot all about this, oops.  After a brief switch to The Telegraph Rafa is back with The Times.

Here is the Blog so far (you need a subscription to view online)

Well done Rory, the big news of the weekend

Rafael Nadal June 21 2011 1:08AM

Good morning everybody and thanks again for letting me this opportunity to do this blog. 

I arrived to London last Wednesday and one thing different this year is that .... it has been raining all the time! We had such a lovely summer last year! :-) Anyway it is great to be back here in the UK playing this fantastic event. 

Lots of things to tell you but really not many different things except for this weather. Hopefully it will change and will allow the tournament to go on without many headaches! Because imagine all those players from the section of the draw I am playing that spent the whole day at the tournament waiting to play and that in the end they could not play!

And just wanted to say something about the big news of this past week end! Rory amazing!!!! Big congratulations to him! IT is so nice to see him play! He deserved to win and I am very happy for him and for all his family, team, friends and fans! Well done!

Rafa

Winning in Paris has made me calm

Rafael Nadal June 21 2011 9:58AM

Get your questions into Rafa by e-mailing rafa@timesonline.co.uk and follow his progress in his own words.

When you were my age (11), for how many hours a week did you play tennis and how did you manage to find the time? Sinead Ryan
Rafa: Hello, I use to spend 2 or 3 hours playing tennis and even football. But at that age more or less I had to stop football since it was too much and stayed with tennis. You know classes and studies together with sport was what I was doing.
You like to cook here – do you ever use a recipe? What is your favourite dish to prepare besides gambas and pasta? Teresa, USA
Yes I like to cook here in Wimbledon at the house. I also prepare fish and vegetables, grilled. I buy very good tuna fish and salmon here which I love. The salmon I do it with teriyaki sauce.

How do you remain so humble whilst you look totally arrogant on court? Elaine Marock

Wow! So you say I am arrogant? I am only focused and concentrated on the point. I don't think I behave arrogant, sorry to not agree with you.

I queued over 24 hours in order to see you play! Is there anything that you would queue that long for? Kim Mackenzie
Not sure I would do it, specially here with all this rain! So i really admire all you and thank you for doing that. I would queue for the golf event!

What are the main adjustments you have to make to play on grass at Wimbledon? Do you have to stay closer to the baseline, take the ball earlier and be more aggressive? Will you be adjusting your service motion and position as well? And do you feel comfortable with the courts and balls this year? I hope you have a great tournament, again. Best of luck. Alexis Grohmann
Yes, there are many adjustments to the grass compared with clay for example. Almost everything is different. Like all fast surfaces you have to try to stay closer to the base line. The serve os also more important and also the body position here is lower since you hit the ball down more than up. Many things to change actually.

Hi Rafa,how does it make you feel when other players say you are their toughest opponent to play? Val Brighouse
Well, I am not sure they always really mean it. But it is something that helps I suppose.

If you could have had a long conversation and ask questions to someone famous from the past who would you like to have talked to and why, what would you like to have asked them or learnt from them? Juliette Westbrook-Finch, England UK
This is a very interesting question but I really don't know the answer would have to think about it. BUt for sure someone historic, some one who was important in the history of my country. or maybe some sportsman that had really important moments to ask how he handled the situation. OR some world businessman... I don't know but thanks for this since will think about it.

As Wimbledon gets underway, do you feel a lot of pressure is off of you now that you won Roland Garros? Jennifer Wilkens
We always have pressure but the fact of winning Roland Garros really releases some of that pressure and makes me play with more calm.

Ask Rafa: the crowds at Wimbledon are very correct

Rafael Nadal June 22 2011 1:15AM

You've often mentioned that you enjoy the musical The Phantom of The Opera (great choice by the way ) but did you know that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has a house in Mallorca and spends a good deal of time there? Perhaps you should make contact and he can give you a personal rendition? Julie Tingle

Rafa: I didn't know. As you say perhaps after Wimbledon we could meet. That would be very nice. Thanks for the tip!

Hi Rafa, as you are on British turf, do you find it difficult to motivate yourself if you are falling behind when you are playing against a British player, i.e Murray as the crowd will be supporting their countryman more? Kylie Pang

Rafa: No, I think the crowd here is extremely polite and correct. I have played Andy here at Wimbledon before and they were amazing, very correct. It is obvious they support the local player but no complaints whatsoever, actually the other way around.

How have you improved since Wimbledon last year and in what areas?  Sharon Lam

Rafa: I am not sure I have improved. I do have more experience though....

What is the best thing about Wimbledon off the court, as opposed to the other slams? Gindy, Richmond

Rafa: That I am at the house and have the choice of doing a "normal" life like today staying for dinner, watch TV on a sofa surrounded by friends (team) and family.

Do you like horror movies? Dina, Egypt

Rafa: I AM SCARED OF THEM!!!! Not too much to be honest!

Can I hit with you if you ever come to Chicago?  I'm a left-hander, too. Andrew Cuison

:-) Not planning to come to Chicago for the moment. I used to go there in transit on my way from Madrid to Palm Springs. Iberia fly there.

Did the grass feel different from the last time you played on Centre? It looks so lush and soft and good enough to sleep on. Natalie

Rafa: Very much!!! it is amazing to play the first match on center. The grass is so perfect and green, something really amazing!!!

I enjoyed the sunshine, let's hope it stays that way

Rafael Nadal June 22 2011 1:20AM

Hello everyone.

What a lovely afternoon it was today, so sunny, so nice! Let's hope it stays like this!!!! 

Had a quiet day today, played some playstation (you probably saw that on my facebook, and simply stayed at home for dinner with Maymo, Toni and Carlos. 

Very quiet, very nice. 

Tomorrow people might think it is an easy match but that is not correct. 

We'll see how it goes!

Ask Rafa: thanks to Yen-Hsun Lu for helping out

Rafael Nadal June 23 2011 1:36AM

I've seen a photo that you warmed up with Yen-Hsun Lu today on your Facebook. What do you think about Lu and his game and how do you feel hitting with him?  Rachel, Taiwan
Yes, I had the chance to warm up with him today I think it was on Court 10. He was good to hit with and I am very thankful to him for accepting. I wish him all the best of luck!

My sister and I are South Africans and are BIG fans; we wear your tennis gear with PRIDE. Do you think we will ever realize our dream of getting to watch you mesmerize us live in our shores? Bongiwe

I have been in South Africa 3 times, once playing at sun city, another to the Nike Junior Tour prize-giving ceremony and last year for the World Cup football. Hopefully one day will be back again there to play. Thanks!

I was wondering if maybe one day we'll get a Rafa cook book, full of your recipes? It would be very popular. Cedrine, London
Not that I have too many recipes to be honest. But the one with pasta and seafood is pretty good!

You play a lot on PlayStation and seem to like watching TV. Do you have to test your eyes often? Céline S.

No, not really. Things working fine for the moment with my eyes. And not that i play too much playstation.

I saw a photo of you holding Maymo's notebook in a Madrid practice session. Were you trying to delete notes on how much chocolate you had eaten? Atch

Hahaha ah. No, no. Only having fun with him. He keeps everything under control and well written.

I know you are a fan of Rory McIlroy, but do you have any thoughts on Jason Day, the young Aussie golfer who's also doing really well at the moment? Lisa, Brisbane
Yeah, I love golf and I love to see all the players. Had a great time watching Rory at this US Open. And sure I have seen Jason Day play. He is also a very good player and as you say doing really well.

I was very happy to see Rory McIlroy win the US Open and I know you texted him with encouraging messages. What is the most encouraging message you have received from a fellow sportsman? Nita B
I have had the luck to receive many text messages during my career and I have to say that some has been very inspiring to me. But I prefer to keep this between the sender and myself. Hope you don't mind.

I'm discovering new things at this Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal June 23 2011 1:45AM

Hello everyone,

Good day today for me at the championships since I had the chance to play today for the first time with the roof. It is a Wimbledon that I am discovering new things, that I am doing new things I had never done before.

I played the opening match on center with that amazing grass and today I played with the roof. To be honest i prefer to play outdoors, since this is an outdoor event but have to admit it was nice to play with the roof.

Tomorrow hopefully we will have better weather and I can get some good practice. It is important for me and obviously for all players to be able to play and practice in order to have a good rhythm when we play. But I suppose for the tournament the most important thing is to get the matches finished so that the next rounds can be played.

Ask Rafa: I never wear the same shirt twice

Rafael Nadal Yesterday, 11:08AM

You always say that you like summer and sun, with tennis you chase summer 11 months of the year, don't you get ever tired of it? Stella
No, not really. I love the sun and enjoy playing with nice weather. But let me remind you that we also play in the fall in Europe and that's pretty dark! Not that I complain but just for the record.
Now that you've played under the roof, how do you think it changes the conditions apart from getting humid? Is the court any faster indoors? Jamie
Indoors is normally a bit faster since the humidity has some influence but also since there is no wind. Conditions change.
Are you fully satisfied with your volley skills now, or will you improve it more and more, and switch from a baseline game to serve-and-volley? Maria Rafael
There is always room for improvement on anything, and specially my volley! It would be nice to do just serve and volley but I think a lot of people would be doing passing shots like crazy.
Rather than answer a question, please, tell us a joke? Jeanna
Is that a joke? :-)
For all the years that Nike has been sponsoring you, do you still have all the items they gave to you? How many sets of attire do they give to you per tournament? JacklynYes, I have one of each I have played with. I keep them as memory. And to answer the second part of your question, I normally get two to three shirts for each match calculating I could make it to the final.
Is there any chance that we will get to see you playing doubles at the Olympics with Marc Lopez? Sharon
That would be great but we both need to qualify!

Hola Rafa! Who is your pick for the women's title at Wimbledon this year? Kim MackenzieTough one this is. I actually thought Na Li would have won.

Do you enjoy coaching and would you ever consider coaching professionally when you retire? Gigi
I don't think so but never say never!

If you were going to a desert island and could only take three things with you, what would they be? Karen
I prefer to go to an island but not a desert! This way I can avoid answering this question.

Do you ever lose track of what the game score is? Anthea 
No, never, or almost never. If I do I ask the umpire but it is not the normal thing!

Hoping the rain stays away

Rafael Nadal Yesterday, 11:28AM

Hi everyone,

This is just a quick one since I am writing this after the dinner and I realised it is quite late. I had a quiet dinner at home with Carlos, Maymo and Albert Molina. The rest of the team and some others preferred to go out to the village and to London. So I stayed and cooked - the same pasta as the other day (Benito did the shopping) - and enjoyed some quiet time at home getting ready for the match. It will not be an easy one and on court No 1, too. That is always a bit different from Centre and with the risk of rain. Hopefully it won't be the case.

Trust my luck rain comes while I am off Centre

Rafael Nadal 15 hours ago

Q&A: Get your questions into Rafa by e-mailing rafa@timesonline.co.uk and follow his progress in his own words.

Well it had to happen I suppose. First time I don't play on center court this year and rain! 

Couldn't finish my match and tomorrow I will resume play during the morning. Not a big deal. if you compare it with other players that had to play two or even three days in a row other years. 

We are lucky to play on center court where you have the roof and in my case this time I played on court #1. 

Some people are asking if there was a problem with me since I asked for the trainer before the end of the set. It was at the same time as the beginning of the rain and therefore the delay. 

I had some issues before even I felt but nothing serious. I should be Ok for tomorrow.

Thanks.

Rafa

Ask Rafa: winning titles are more important than my ranking

Rafael Nadal 15 hours ago

Q&A: Get your questions into Rafa by e-mailing rafa@timesonline.co.uk and follow his progress in his own words.

Do you think there is a point in Serena Williams’s moan recently about some players always get to play at the show courts and others (like her) get moved around?  Sharon Lam

I don't think I should go into this discussion. I don't know really the problem and didn't ask her or the scheduling people. Should hear both before any comments

If you were to give one tip about temperament, and how you manage to pick yourself up after a fall, what would it be? Tom

Don't really know what you mean. I think I have a good temperament though....

Every time you lift the Conde De Godo trophy after winning the Barcelona Open I’m scared you’ll injure yourself. Is that the heaviest and largest trophy that you have ever won? Atch

ME TOO! It is really heavy but the feeling to win it is too good to realize!

Routines and rituals are commonplace in many sports but you seem to use them a lot.  In what way do you think they help you perform better (if at all)? Do you think you pay more attention to them in high pressure situations such as the changeover before a key game?  Robin

I think they help my concentration and to know what I have to do but it doesn't change anything if for example the bottles I carefully put on the floor fall. In a few words, it is more a habit but not really a change if I don't do it.

What would you do if a player knocked over your water bottles at a change of end in an effort to psyche you out?

Nothing would change, really. 

What do you write on the tape on your fingers? Renata

Nothing, it is only the way they are. 

I noticed that lately you've been hanging out and practising with Feliciano Lopez a lot. Who schedules your practice and your partner? Celeste

Normally it is Toni who arranges it. But sometimes I speak to Feli on this particular case.

Have you ever doubted your ability to reach the top? When you were starting your career as a pro did you ever think ‘wow, this is tougher than I expected?’ Janice

Actually you never think about that. You only tend to think about being a professional player and you start setting up goals little by little. You really never think at a young age about being at the top. You just want to play and compete.

If you lose your world No 1 ranking, how will you react? Will it hurt? Will it make you more determined? Or will you just shrug your shoulders and say ‘hey, my time will come again’? Jon C

I don't really care that much. I don't think it is as important as winning the big tournaments. If I lose that #1 position that would mean that someone else has been better and I will have to continue improving!

Why do women get criticised for grunting, yet the men seem just as bad? Scott F

Good question. Do they get criticized? Do we do the same?

Rafael Nadal - The Telegraph Blog

The Times Blog is no more but fear not, it has been replaced by a Blog in the Telegraph.

Rafa has made his first entry today:

Hello everyone,

Let me just say first of all thank you for the opportunity given to me to do this blog. I am very happy to be back doing this for my British fans in particular, and I suppose the rest of the world reading in English.

It is the first time I do this for the The Telegraph and I thank you for the opportunity.

I am starting today at the French Open in Roland Garros although I have been here in Paris practicing and getting ready since Wednesday.

I have a very difficult first round match against one of the most dangerous players that you can find in a first round. You all know and remember John Isner from that dramatic match at Wimbledon last year. Well, that was grass and I don't think it will be the same on clay, but I do know how difficult he can be.

Thanks once again for being there, and I looking forward answering your questions over the next days as long as I am at the tournament.

Rafa ...

And has answered some questions:

Q. What are those funny biscuits you always eat in your press conferences? (JH, Bristol)
Rafa: Hahahahaha, they are the Quelitas (Quely) that we always eat in Majorca. They are salty and VERY good! We always eat them and I have them at every tournament. Very typical Majorca.

Q. What do you think is the most important shot for clay court tennis? (Mark Atkins-Hay, Tamworth)
Rafa: I think every shot is important. Maybe the strategy is the best shot since you have to play with a clear game plan, be patient and know how to do things, every thing.

Q: There has been a lot of talk about the new Babolat balls at Roland Garros – do you have an opinion? How much of a: difference do the balls make? (Sami)
Rafa: They are typical Roland Garros ball. A bit faster and harder than usual which allows speed and high bounces. I actually like them,

Q: I know players often like to eat in the same places – do you ever find it funny constantly bumping into the same players? (Ed, London)
Rafa: No, I normally don't eat at the same places for a matter of luck. I do eat and repeat places because I like them.

Q: Who do you most like to play Pro Evo with, and who is the current champion? (Rich Williams)
Rafa: I am playing currently with Inter de Milan which allows me to defend well and counter attack! No current champions, but I am playing a lot against David Ferrer

Q: Do you think Manchester United have any chance in the Champions League final against Barcelona? (David, Paris)
Rafa: A final is a final and anything can happen. Barça is playing great and they have proven to be a great team. We'll see what happens. I am sure it will be again a nice final!

Q: Hi Rafa, as a keen golfer, do you ever attempt any 'Seve Ballesteros-style shots' on the course, or are you more conservative? (Pat Norman, Wilts)
Rafa: I am a bit more conservative, and not even close to his game or even his talent!

Q: Hi Rafa. Djokovic has clearly found a new level – do you think you have reached your peak of performance, or do you think you can still improve? (Thariq)
Rafa: I think there is always room for improvement, that's why we all keep working!

Q: How much time do you spend in the gym? More or less than you do on the practice courts? (Helen Thomas, Preston)
Rafa: It depends on the time of the year but not much these days. It is more in the pre-season. I don't really go to the gym during a tournament. I focus more on the court practice and physiotherapy.

If you have a question for Rafa send it to this email sportfeedback@telegraph.co.uk

Courtesy: Telegraph

The Final Times Blog Entry :(

Hello everyone,

Well, the Australian Open came to an early end for me. It is unfortunate but this is how it is. No excuses, no nothing.

David played a great match and he deserves to be in the semis against Andy.

Too bad for me since I would have loved to play Andy for a chance to be in the final. We had a great match in London and it would have been nice, but the one who will play him deserves it more.

I am flying back tonight to Spain and will get some rest before starting again practice. I will do some tests to see if there is something serious or not but I am sure I will be fine.

Maybe I get the question about the Rafa Slam? Well I never spoke about that as you all know. That was more the media who pushed that and I understand it.

But this shows once again that match by match is what you really have to look at and not those records before they happen. It didn't and I knew it would be very difficult.

Once again I want to thanks all my fans and you for being there, supporting me and reading what I write... Not sure I would do it :-)

Thanks to The Times also for the opportunity and we will do this again during Roland Garros, The French Open. Hope it will bring me luck again over there.

Rafa

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

Questions

Hola Rafael! I just want to tell you that you are such an amazing champion and I am having a wonderful time watching you play tennis! As you have spent quite a lot of time with Roger Federer over the past few months, did you get the chance to see his twin girls? Siga así campeón y mucha suerta para todo! Anne-Claire, Paris

I have seen them, but not because of the matches we played - they stayed in Dubai this winter during the two exhibitions. Very cute both!

Dear Rafa, congratulations for your fourth round victory! Do you ever watch replays of your own match to see where you've done well and not done so well, or do you just focus solely on your next opponent? Best of luck for your next round! Qing Qing, China

Sometimes I do, but it is not something I usually do.

Congratulations for your match against Marin Cilic, Rafa! Fantastic! I keep reading about how your friends make you do things when you lose on the Playstation, (like when Carlos Moya made you run in the street in Umag), but what is your revenge if they lose to you? Good luck against Ferrer! Cedrine

Many thanks. I make them also do things in the same way. Something that should stay between us!

Hola Rafa. You like routine and are superstitious. Do you like to stay at the same hotel for each tournament, and do you ask for the same room?
Once again many thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Much love, Clare x

No, I am not superstitious. I have my routines, thats all. I normally stay at the official hotel and I don't mind changing rooms.

Hola Rafa! In the build-up to the charity matches you played in December, it was really nice to read the interview your mother gave about her role within it. She must be so proud of you, but are you also proud of her with the work she is putting in to your foundation, and can you describe more about her role? Love, Jules xx

Yes, sure. She is taking the foundation very seriously and working a lot. The Madrid exhibition was a lot of work and she was on top of every single detail. She was coordinating all efforts and she also did a lot of interviews to promote the event. She only did interviews as president of the foundation.

Hola Rafa! Even though you're in Australia, did you manage to watch the "big" match on Sunday, Real Madrid vs. Real Mallorca? If so, what are your thoughts on the result and can you explain a bit more on your involvement with Real Mallorca. Jim

I did. I was divided there since I am a fan of both teams and my uncle Miquel Angel is the second coach of the Mallorca team.

Hi Rafa. How do you go about trying to ‘pick’ your opponents' first serve direction? Do you try to look for differences in the serve action or do you look at tendencies and stats for what players like to do in different situations? From what I've read, Sampras tended to try to read his opponents' serve action while Agassi studied what players liked to do in different situations - unless he noticed a give-away clue like Becker's tongue pointing to where he was going to serve! As a fantastic serve returner, I'd be fascinated to hear your approach. Many thanks and best of luck for the remainder of the tournament, Robin Jackson

It depends on the opponent. Sometimes you can't read anything and you take a chance on going to one place. Other players I know them well and I think I know where it goes. And others you can read it.

Hey Rafa - if you overcome David Ferrer (which I’m sure you will!) you face the winner of Andy Murray and Alexandr Dolgopolov. Do you prefer the easier game against Dolgopolov, or would you rather test yourself against Murray? Do you feel more proud when you win a tournament when you have beaten better opponents? Thanks! Sam

I don't think a semi-final is an easy match in any case. However, as I say, I have a very difficult match tomorrow against David and that is the only thing I am thinking abut right now.

Hi Rafael! As you are ranked No 1 in the world, does that add more pressure to you to win every tournament you play in, as you are the favourite and expected to gain success? Would you say pressure is a good thing? Good luck with the rest of the Australian Open! Neill

No pressure for me, believe me. The pressure is to win a match and to play good to win the tournament if possible. The ranking comes with results, not the other way around. The pressure is to win!

Rafaaaa! I am a big fan and have supported you for years. After Spain won the World Cup you were one of very few people allowed into the dressing room afterwards to celebrate with the team. If you win another major tournament, who would you most like to join you in celebrating your success? Anyone in particular from the Spanish national team? Love Maria

I would love to have them all in the locker celebrating, for sure! But I don't see that possible :-(

Blog 




Hello everyone,

What am I going to write about today? I am really running out of stories. Just to tell you what I have done - I suppose some people will say, so what!?!?!?!

Let me then talk about the tournament. I see Andy [Murray] and Novak [Djokovic] very strong, but also Roger who really played very well today. It is a very interesting tournament here. The first grand slam of the year and the place where normally surprises occur. So far it looks like Roger and Novak are not ready for that and that the semis will be interesting.

I have a tougher match tomorrow than what people think. David [Ferrer] is a very, very good player and has started the year in a very good way winning the event in New Zealand. So, not easy at all. And Andy is playing amazing and tomorrow has an interesting rival.

Tomorrow I play at a good time, a time that is really nice. It will also allow my fans in Europe to follow the match since it will be 9.30 am in CET or 8.30 in the UK. Hope to be here tomorrow writing rather than on my way to the airport....

Thanks

Rafa

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

Blog

Hi all,

I am back at the hotel after a tough match. I think I played one of my best matches, definitely the best so far here in Melbourne and I am happy since I was a bit worried about this match.

I am now back at my hotel and have had some room service. While waiting I am watching some YouTube videos of past tennis champions and also some documentaries. It is something amazing, YouTube. It is something you start watching and you can't stop. One thing brings you to another and sometimes I go to bed really late because of that. Since I also bought an adaptor that goes from my laptop to the TV, I also have the chance to see it on a big screen!

Tomorrow I practice at 1 pm so I am now going to bed after a quick dinner.

Thanks all for the support.

Rafa

Questions



Get your questions into Rafa by e-mailing rafa@timesonline.co.uk and follow the superstar's progress in his own words.

I read your interview after the Tomic match where you say you sweat and feel more tired than usual and that you might not be fully recovered from the virus you caught in Doha. I myself I'm suffering from a virus right now and can only imagine what it must be like going out there to play at least three intense sets! I am worried for you. What precautions are you taking on your days off? Cedrine

Nothing special since the tests went well. I actually sweat much less today. Hope you get better soon.
Hola Rafa, I totally share your love for the sun and the sand (I can't stand cold places and hate the winter!), and I was wondering... apart from the beach(es) in Mallorca, if there's any other beach that you really like? By the way, you should totally visit India for the beaches! We have hundreds, and the best ones are in Goa :) Love, Mohona, India
Thanks for the tip. Maybe one day. So far I have only been in Chennai playing tennis and recently for the school we opened.

Hi Rafa, Hope you keep on winning in Australia. Great work in beating Tomic. During that match, the commentator said you changed shirts 5 times.  What is the highest number of shirt changing in one match for you? Thanks for answering questions. Stay healthy. When you are healthy, no one can beat you. Sharon, Leatherhead, UK

Many thanks. I think that has probably been one of the matches I changed the most!

Hola Rafa!! I have been very impressed by some of the sports photography taken of you at this tournament. Do you or anyone within the family keep scrapbooks of your matches and your career to date? Love, Julie xx
Yes, Benito and Carlos do keep a good digital book.

Hola Rafael! First, I wanted to tell you that you are such an amazing champion with a wonderful personnality (and you are quite a handsome man as well, by the way!). I read an interview your mother gave in December to talk about the Madrid exhibition where she said she used to give piano lessons. So I came to wonder as I also know you absolutely love listening to music: have you taken advantage of your mother's talent and ever played the piano ? And if so, were you skilled at it ? As for now, I imagine you playing better with a tennis racket than with a piano, but maybe I am wrong. ;-) Siga así campeón y mucha suerte para todo !!!!!!!! Anne-Claire, Paris

Many thanks, very kind of you. I am nule at playing music! My grandfather is a musician, my mother likes it but I am not able to play any instruments.

Hi Rafa, you mentioned before that you are a big Lost fan. How did you find the ending of it? Were you satisfied with it? Agi from Hungary

I want more!

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

Blog



Hi all,

Short one today since it got late and I have to go to sleep. Lots of people talking about me sweating and losing weight. I am well, still suffering a bit from the cold I had in Doha.

Tomorrow I know it will be one of those very difficult matches, since I played Cilic once and he beat me. We'll see and hopefully I can continue blogging from Melbourne. It sort of brings me good luck!

Thanks all

Rafa

 Questions

There was a clip of you on channel IB3 practicing in Manacor and your little cousins were there too. One said they want to win a trophy later.  I was just wondering if your cousins have shown a real interest in tennis and whether they have started to practice seriously with your uncle Toni as coach? Cedrine.
RN: Yes, they love to play tennis and Toni when he is at home.

Hi Rafa. Firstly, congratulations on your brilliant 2010 season, and secondly, good luck for the rest of this year and your time at the Australian Open.  I am wondering, does playing a new and up and coming player such as Sweeting excite you, when you know relatively little about the player and their style? Does it keep tennis fresh for you in the sense that you don't really know what to expect when you play them?  Or do you prefer playing someone you are more familiar with and know their playing style? Thank you. Deborah, Northern Ireland.
RN: It is always difficult to play players you have not seen before and that happens often at Grand Slam events since the draw is bigger.

Hi Rafa, hope you continue your run of good form at slams. I read Tom Oldfied's biography of you and I found it wasn't very good.  Do you have someone writing one for you or are there any biographies of you currently in the bookshops that you are happy about?  I am talking about English ones.  I can't read Spanish unfortunately.  If you have the choice, who would you ask to write your biography?  Thanks. Sharon Lam.
RN: Thanks. I don't know who Tom Oldfield is so I don't understand how someone can write a biography of someone without knowing the person. I have never seen him or even heard of him, imagine! Hope that answers the rest of the question too. I am having someone that will write something soon but I will let you know when it is time. It will be in English too :-)

Dear Rafa! Have you been playing the Playstation in Melbourne? I remember last year you and Pico Monaco beat Moya and you blogged about it. ;) Wendy, Melbourne.RN: Yes I have, but not soccer since I don't have it here. I played Gran Turismo, also competed against Marc Lopez on this.

Hi Rafa, Bernard Tomic gave you a difficult match and looks like a player who could challenge for slams in the future. Which other young players do you think we should keep an eye out for? Martin, USA.
RN: Yes, Tomic is a very talented player. I am sure he will be up there in the future if he does things right.

Hola Rafa. Which is your favourite country to visit on the tour and why? Brett, Melbourne.
RN: I enjoy many places and countries, and specially Australia I have to say. But I try to take also the best of other places and enjoy!

You said earlier you always carry music with you. What music do you listen to, and what sort of things do you have on your laptop? Mark, Scotland.
RN: Spanish music in general and also some dance, pop music

Rafa, you have got a great life, but if you could change one thing about it, what would it be? Stevo, Sydney.
RN: I wouldn't change anything of my life at the moment.

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

Here is the latest Blog entry from Rafa. Woohoo, question answered!!

Hello everyone,

I am writing this blog just before having lunch and getting ready for tonight's match. I'll have a light lunch with some pasta and some fish, not too much although the match is going to be almost 6/7 hours (it is 1:48 pm as I write here in Melbourne).

I know it is not going to be an easy match since it looks like all night matches are finals and things get more difficult than usual. As you can see almost all night matches here have been tough, very tough for the favorite.

In any case I am playing well, I am feeling well and I am confident. Hopefully things will continue like this.

Thanks.

Rafa

Questions

Hi Rafa. When I was watching your 2010 US Open final, both Martina Navratilova and Jimmy Connors said that they're surprised that you never hit yourself on the head with your racket because of your follow-through. So, have you ever done that during a match or a practice? I hope not! Best of luck at the Australian Open :) Samiyah, USA

No, not really. I am pretty calm!

Hola Rafa :) I mentioned to you in a previous Blog that I was learning to play tennis. Unfortunately I have picked up a shoulder injury that is stopping me from playing. What do you suggest I do in order to keep myself fit? Many thanks for this blog & good luck in your next match.
Love Clare x

Go and see a doctor and get the right treatment. Don't push too much. They will know what's best for you.

Hola Rafa!! After your second-round match you said that in your downtime, you'd like to go to the aquarium. When I visited Melbourne, I didn't go although I was told it was amazing. Why do you find it so particularly fascinating? Love, Wooffs

I love the sea and I love fish. I enjoy very much watching everything there. The penguins were funny and amazing. But the whole thing is really cool.

You look extremely sexy in the Armani photos. Do you plan on doing more stuff like this in the future? Lola Myme

Thanks. Not sure this is what I want to do. I prefer to play tennis.

I hear a famous writer is following you during the tournament, so tell me, when they make the movie...who is going to play...Toni :) I say Antonio Bandaras! Keep doing what you do, you are an inspiration. Thank you and good luck, Sharon

Not anymore. He left before the tournament started. We spent some time in Doha, and here in Melbourne. Now it is time for competition. Movie? what movie?

Rafa, I'd entered the contest on Facebook where Nike had offered to put the names of 200 fans on your bag, and I noticed stuff written on your Nike bag after your match against Sweeting...I wonder if those are the 200 names? :) Mohona, India

:-)

How difficult is it to play someone who is carrying an injury and may quit during the match. Does it make it more difficult to concentrate on your own game? Shani xx

You simply have to focus on your game until the end of the match no matter what it is. After it is over it is sad to see if someone retires due to injury. Not nice to win like this.

The Times Blog

Blog:

Hi everyone, Just came from dinner and wanted to write a few words to you.

We had a nice dinner here nearby the hotel. No match tomorrow, so some good sushi. We are staying at a hotel where basically you have all kind of restaurants. This is good since it is convenient but at the same time we tend not to go out much.

I have been 10 days here in Melbourne and not really gone out of this place. Have to change that! If I am here in 2 nights I think I’ll change!

Tomorrow I am practicing at 11 so that leaves me time to sleep until at least 9.30 so not bad.
Can’t complaint.
Rafa

Questions:

Hi Rafa after every match you say that there is still room for improvement, which part of your game do you think you need to improve the most? - native3

RN: I think the position on court and maybe to play a bit more aggressive.

G’day Rafa! Muchas Gracias for writing from Melbourne and for replying to our questions....good on you. As with your first round match against Marcos Daniel, your second round match against Ryan Sweeting is the second match on the Rod Laver court...do you prefer playing your matches during the day or at night ..or do you not have any preference? Many thanks, Niamh, Ireland

RN: Hi there. I prefer the day since it is warm and I like the sun. But I know I will have to play soon a night match, probably the one on Saturday! You’ll see! :-)
Rafa, as you spend so much of your year living out of a suitcase, which three things do you always like to have with you? Love Shani
RN: Music for sure, my lap top computer and my tennis stuff

Rafa. It is always a pleasure reading your blogs! Wish you a healthy and successful season:) I am curious what was it like playing water tennis in the ocean in Doha with Roger.It looked kind of bizarre:) Megy, Bulgaria

RN: Thanks, It was fun, something different that we did to publicize the launch of the new ATP season. The problem is that there is where I got my cold!

Rafa, it has been reported that you aren’t very keen on dogs. Do you like other animals — have you ever held a koala bear while in Australia? :-) Good luck in your next match — vamos! Love Sam
RN: Yes I do but not to have them at home. I have had the chance in the past to see the Koala and it is quite cool!

Hola Rafa! We quite often see you with your Quely biscuits. However, an excellent biscuit is to be found in Australia called “Tim Tams”. Have you tried them?? Love, Jules
RN: I always have them with me. I eat them since I am a little kid and I have them at every place and every tournament I go to since they send me a whole box every week. I will try those you mention but I am more than sure that they won’t be better than the Quely’s :-)

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

I seem to be a day behind, oops :)

If I wasn't a tennis player I'd be the king of the swingers

Hola Rafa, does all the adulation, fame, money, championships ever overwhelm you and make you think 'how did I manage to get here at such a young age'? – Ganesh, India
RN: No, I don't pay attention to those things. I just enjoy playing tennis, I love the sport and I try my best. I never thought I could get so far but I always knew i wanted to play tennis, become a professional and started setting up goals. So far I ma very happy and have to be very thankful.

Apart from the Aston Martin, what do you consider to be your biggest mistake? - Frank, UK
RN: Wow, this car thing is really something, huhhh? I have made mistakes but that one probably was the biggest one, let's put it like this.

When you are in Australia, will you be doing anything to help the flood victims in Queensland? Your work with Federer and others at the exhibition match for the Haiti earthquake fund was amazing. All the best! - Sharon Lam
RN: We already played that exhibition on Sunday and we managed to collect some good money to help.

I used to see many pictures of you and your team kicking around a tennis ball on the tennis court after practice; however I don’t see pictures of you guys playing anymore. Have you stopped – and why? - Zine
RN: No, not at all but we dn't always do it. It is a good exercise. The problem is to find good partners.... hahahaha

I’m Spaniard (54 years old) and I’m just trying to improve my English to understand better your interviews around the world and also to be able to speak with other fans of yours… I’m wondering if you still take English classes or it is enough for you to practice English in your travels? You have all my support, Rafa, you can do it, good luck in AO!! ¡VAMOS! Un besazo desde Madrid. – Rosi
RN: I never took classes but I am always trying to learn, listen a lot, sometimes Benito and other of my team help me. You know, traveling the world you need to speak English so the traveling has given me the chance to improve.

Congratulations on your 2010 year and all the best for 2011! I love watching you and Marc Lopez play doubles...will he join you at Indian Wells? And if you weren’t playing with Marc, who would you most like to play alongside? - Terry
RN: Thanks. I enjoy playing with him. Yes i'll play with him there, normally.

All the best for you match tomorrow. I will be cheering for you. I would love to know how would you describe your own fashion style? -Love,Joana!
RN: No description I suppose. I dont know how to describe it to be honest. I suppose I like the colours since I am from Spain, maybe that?

Glad you seem to be over your illness in Doha. How hard is it to recover when you are banned from taking certain medications due to drug tests? - Love from Clare & the Rafateers
RN: As you know we are very limited on what we can take, In the case of Doha I had to take antibiotics and that's quite not comfortable.

If you had to choose another sport other than tennis to play professionally, what would it be? Golf? - Matt, UK
RN: Football or nowadays golf.

Wednesday 19 January

Hi everyone.
I did something today that to be very honest with you, I'd never done before.

I had practice this morning not too early (11am) and then decided to go to the beach and have lunch with my team at a restaurant there, next to the sea. Most of my fans know I love the sea and I today it was a nice day and we decided to go there.

It is different from Majorca but we had a great time, we ate some nice fish and then we came back to the hotel since I have a meeting with Adam Helfant, the CEO of the ATP to talk about some things related to our sport.
A nice day I have to say that gives me the energy for tomorrow's match. Hope everything goes well.

Thanks for your support.

Rafa.

Tuesday 18th Jan

Hi everyone,

The first round is over almost for everyone and that means that already half of the draw is out of the competition. This is the thing about tennis: 128 players were here to start the main draw but after only two days of competition there is only half of the draw left. It went well for me today since I won the match pretty fast. I am sorry for Marcos [Daniel] who had to retire: it is always an uncomfortable situation since I felt bad for him. He is a nice guy and I hope he recovers well and soon.

Since the match didn't last too much and also considering I served not that well at the beginning of the second set, I decided to go out and serve for 30 minutes. I felt well after that and was happy after. I got some rhythm on my serve again.

Rafa

I bought a piece of the court you played on for your foundation - it was a great idea to raise money. Do you have any other fundraising activities planned? - Juliette, UK

Hi Juliette, many thanks for this. I hope you liked the piece and that you are happy. The money is going to a good cause and the foundation will do well for kids. We are planning other things but will let people know.

My question is, what do you like most about being on tour apart from playing tennis? Do you get time to do fun things in the cities you are staying? All the best for the Australian Open! - Jamie

I don't have that much time anymore to visit. I like to go out at night to restaurants and enjoy the food with my team and other players.

Why did you decide to model underwear for Armani? Surely it wasn’t just for the money? Was the photoshoot fun? – Liana, Greece

The shoots are never that much fun, to be honest. I am a tennis player and I like sports, not really photo shoots. I decided to go with Armani since the idea is fun and it is a great brand to be with. Very happy with the decision.

Hola Rafa! I am impressed with the different modes of transport that have been laid on for you to get you to tournament sites.  The boat along the Thames to go to the WTF, the helicopter in Toronto, as well as the usual tournament cars. What’s your favourite mode of transport? - Love, Julie

Walking from the house I rent in Wimbledon to the tournament site. Really!

Dear Rafa - I notice that sometimes you train with other players - Feli López, Novak Djokovic etc. Do you ask the other players to train with you or do other people arrange the training sessions for you? Good luck for your first round match! - Qing Qing, China 
It depends. Normally I ask other players or they ask me, or Toni takes care of it, or the tournament finds me someone, or the ATP, it depends. Many ways.

Hi Rafa! Congratulations for your amazing 2010 season, I wish you many more like this one! For how many years have you been playing golf? What or who gave you the idea to play golf, and how did you learn? Bonne chance pour l'Open d'Australie! - Mathilde, France

I love to play golf, really enjoy it. I have been playing for some years now and my uncles (Miguel Angel, Rafael and Toni) got me into it.

I noticed Kylie Minogue watched one of your matches at the World Tour Finals. Do you have many famous friends? If so, who do you like to spend time with? – Veronica, New South Wales
Yes she did. She and her boyfriend came to one of my matches. Andres, her boyfriend came for dinner with us one night and he was very nice. I was happy to see them.

Hi Rafa. If you don't mind, I read that you have been with your girlfriend since you were 14. Your sister introduced you, is that true? - Cedrine

Not true. We have been for almost 5 years together and I am 24 turning 25 this year.

Hi Rafa - firstly good luck for the next two weeks at the Australian Open. I am always amazed at your ability to recall stats and scorelines even from matches you played a long time ago. So I'm wondering was this ability to remember things as good when it came to school, like when revising for exams, or is it only good where tennis is concerned? Thank you and again best of luck. - Debbie, Ireland
Hi Debbie, many thanks for your message. Let's hope I am here two weeks. I have a good memory, actually very, very good. I remember almost everything.

Hi Rafa! So you regret buying the Aston Martin.. what about the Harley Davidson, is that also a regret? - Kim, London

I do actually. Regarding the Harley, it is a long story but I still haven't used it! Will let you know.

Rafael Nadal - The Times Blog

Here is the first of Rafa's blogs

Hello everyone from Melbourne! I didn't write anything yesterday - only answer your questions. I am here in Melbourne since Monday night when we arrived. You have probably seen my Facebook page with the pictures I posted from the flight and my arrival (above). It is always nice to be here although this year it was raining last week every day. Very strange to see that here. But now the sun is back out and I am enjoying more my time and the practice. Tomorrow is my first match and I am really looking forward to it.

Thanks again to The Times for having me blog here and letting me be in touch directly with you.

Cheers - as they say here.

Rafa


It's great to have you back blogging and answering our questions, I hope it brings you luck. When you were in London at the World Tour Finals, what was it like meeting the Prime Minister, did you enjoy it and did you get the chance to talk to him? Beses y abrazos, Juliette Westbrook-Finch

Yeah, it was nice to meet him. He seemed to be a very nice person and for us to be at 10 Downing Street was an honour.

Do you have a song that reminds you of a special moment in your career? Like for example for me every time I hear Gabriella Cilmi's Sweet about me, I think about the Australian Open 2009 final because she performed it before the match. Or Empire of the Sun's Walking on a dream because they played it before matches on the BBC for the Australian Open last year. Cedrine

No, not really. Not a specific song. I have a lot of songs that reminds me a lot of things though, like everyone else I suppose.

Congratulations on a great season so far. I'll be visiting Madrid for the first time. Any recommendations for restaurants to try while I'm there? Good luck for the rest of the season! Lee, Illinois

Yes I have many favourite restaurants. I love a Basque one called "Imanol" and also an Argentinian one called "de Maria". Very good meat and/or fish at both. Enjoy Madrid - it is a great city, lots of fun and lots of things to do.

Feliz año nuevo...I wanted to know if you believe in making new year resolutions, and if so what was one of yours? Mucha suerte, Ambar, NYC

Many thanks and same to you. No specific resolutions. Just to continue the good line on a personal level.

Did you receive any special Christmas presents this year? What was your favourite? Kim, London

I did, from my father I got a thing (don't know the English name!) for the watches to keep them in.

What did you think of the snow in Mallorca in December? Christy

It did snow but in the small mountains. It is not often it snows in Mallorca but it is nice to see it when it happens. I think it was the first time I've seen it and for sure it is not normal to see it in December.