Posted: 23.05.09 15:15. Post subject: Send Rafa your quest..
Send Rafa your questions
He's back - the world No 1, Olympic champion, Australian Open champion, Wimbledon champion and winner of the past four French Opens is blogging again exclusively from Roland Garros and waiting to answer your questions.
Since beating Roger Federer in Melbourne, the Spanish superstar has gone from strength to strength with further victories in his home country and Monte Carlo.
But those of you familiar with this blog will know that there is far more to Nadal than just a tennis racket and those biceps. The 22-year-old is a dab hand on the PlayStation, swings a mean golf club and loves to eat gambas with his uncle Toni.
As he aims for an incredible fifth straight title in Paris, he will keep you up to date with daily notes on how he's feeling, what he's doing and who he's been seeing. Nadal will also answer those pressing questions that you've always wanted to ask.
E-mail him now and stay tuned for Nadal's first post.
Posted: 25.05.09 07:54. Post subject: Sunday, May 24, 2009..
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Greetings from Paris - it's good to be back talking to my fans
Hello everyone,
Back in Paris. Back to play Roland Garros and I was kindly asked to write again this blog. Thank you again for the opportunity you bring me and let me say I have to admit that I was very reluctant to write it again. It is not easy to find words or things to talk about during these - hopefully - two weeks. Because that is the thing, I will be writing this while I stay in Paris playing. That's why I hope it is two weeks. If on Tuesday night there is no more blog that would mean I have lost my first match, my first round here at Roland Garros.
So I hope what I say is not taken too serious or to not serious. I am someone who doesn't go too deep to talk about things openly. I can be very open with my team, with my family these weeks, but kind of reserved with the rest of the World. So what I write about is basically about my day, about how's been, what I've done, who did I practice with, what did I eat, what did I do to "kill" those hours that I spend waiting to play my next match or waiting for my next practice... Those things that are part of my work, of my routine, that clearly are not interesting enough to be written by the media in their normal reports. They have to write about a tournament that has 128 man and 128 women that are competing here this week.
So that's why I write this blog, so that my fans, those who want to know everything about what I do, they can be informed.
So, here I am and tomorrow my first round match. I got here already Wednesday night and I am ready to start the tournament. We'll see how it goes.
Posted: 25.05.09 07:57. Post subject: Questions for Rafa: ..
Questions for Rafa: does Roger Federer have a chance at Roland Garros?
Which do you think is the best way to decide the outcome of five set matches at grand slams - by being two games ahead of your opponent in the fifth set, as is the case at Wimbledon, the French Open and the Australian Open or by winning a fifth set tie-break, as is the case at the US Open? Niamh Kearney, Ireland
RN: I think the way it is now with a tie-break in the fifth is good. Imagine how many more games and hours I could have played with Verdasco in Melbourne...
When you have kids in the future, would you like them to play tennis and be a tennis star like yourself? If so would you be their coach? Feng Lu
RN: I would like them to do whatever they want to do, meaning if they decide to become tennis players I will support them. But the most important thing is that it should be their decision. Not sure I will be their coach though...
Did you lose some weight this year (you look a bit slimmer!), and if so, what is the reason for it? Wendy Pan, China
RN: No, I didn't. But some people has said that to me lately. I am the same weight, believe me. Maybe the sleeveless shirt?
What book are you currently reading? Anna, Russia
RN: Good question. I wanted to buy one tomorrow! Didn't bring one here.
Do you have any grass courts in Spain? I see beautiful golf courses and well-kept football pitches and it makes me wonder if you have grass courts? Kathleen
RN: Yes, but not too many. In the end the grass court season is very short and we practice there only those 2 weeks after Roland Garros (or before Wimbledon). Do you sleep well before an important match? Gabi, Germany
RN: Yes, normally I do. But I have to admit that before the Wimbledon final last year I had more difficulty than usual going to sleep.
There seems to be an increasingly amount of attention paid to fashion in tennis these days. What's your favorite Nike outfit that you've worn so far in your career? Julia, London
RN: Actually I like very much the one I will be wearing tomorrow in Roland Garros. What sort of things in life make you lose your temper? Elizabeth, London
RN: Bad education of people. Not sure I get to lose my temper but close.
Do you think Roger Federer has a chance to win the French Open this year, since he just won recently at Madrid? Does this pressure you in any way? Samantha Portillo
RN: Sure he does. I don't think Madrid has anything to do with it since the conditions are completely different due to the altitude and the way the courts were done. But sure he has chances to win.
Post №: 944
Joined: 23.03.09
Location: Милан
Rank:
6
Posted: 25.05.09 10:32. Post subject: http://s45.radikal.r..
Воскресенье 24 Мая
Привет из Парижа- хорошо снова говорить с моими болельщиками
Всем привет
Я вернулся в Париж. Вернулся играть на Ролан Гаррос, меня также любезно попросили снова вести этот блог. Спасибо вам ещё раз за предоставленную возможность, и позвольте мне заметить, я должен признать мне не очень хотелось снова это делать. Совсем не просто находить нужные слова или мысли, о которых рассказывать во время этих, как я надеюсь, двух недель. Вот такие дела, я буду вести блог, пока нахожусь в Париже. Поэтому и надеюсь, что это будет две недели. Если во вторник не выйдет блог, это станет свидетельством моего проигрыша в первом матче, в первом круге Ролан Гаррос.
Я надеюсь все, о чем я говорю, не воспринимается слишком серьезно. Я один из тех, кто не слишком открыто усугубляется в своих разговорах. Я могу быть очень открытым с моей командой, семьей, но я довольно сдержан с остальными. Поэтому в целом я пишу, как провел день, что произошло, чем я занимался, с кем тренировался, что ел, что я делал, чтобы убить время, когда жду на свой матч или на тренировку…..Это часть моей работы, рутины, которые конечно не являются чем-то интересным для прессы чтобы вспоминать об этом в их обзорах. Они должны писать о турнире, на котором играет 128 мужчин и 128 женщин, что соревнуются между собой на этой неделе.
Вот поэтому я и пишу этот блог, чтобы мои болельщики, те, кто хотят знать все, что я делаю, могли быть проинформированы.
Я снова здесь и завтра у меня уже первый матч. Я приехал сюда ещё в среду вечером и готов уже начать играть турнир. Посмотрим как пойдут дела.
Post №: 68
Info: отличное
Joined: 23.04.09
Location: Москва
Rank:
4
Posted: 25.05.09 16:52. Post subject: Ольга Коп пишет: Ну..
Ольга Коп пишет:
quote:
Ну, нравится ему розовый!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ну, тогда и нам нравится! Я увидела сегодня Рафу в новой форме и поначалу была просто в шоке... Первые геймы игры с бразильцем только и смотрела на эту маечку.
Posted: 26.05.09 07:05. Post subject: http://s45.radikal.r..
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Slow start is nothing to be worried about, I will get better
Hi everyone.
TODAY'S MATCH. Probably with the answers to your questions on this section I have said it all. Not too many questions about my match today and probably it is better like this. I didn't play great, didn't feel that comfortable on the court as I should have but in the end what counts is that I managed to win. I have to say that also last year I had a bad start. Clearly it is not only because of my but also because the way my opponent, Marcos [Daniel] today, played. As I say, I have had slow starts also in previous years and I am fine with it. Sure I need to improve and get better.
MY EARLY ARRIVALS. Some people ask why did I arrive so early to Roland Garros. Well, I arrived already on Wednesday night so that I could get a good practice on Thursday where I played an exhibition match here in Paris. I like to come early to tournaments. There are not that many tournaments where I arrive late, OK... I arrived on Monday to Queen's in the last 3 years... but I have a good excuse there... When I come to back to back tournaments and I managed to get to the finals I obviously arrive a bit late but if not I arrive early to get used to the conditions where I will be playing. Specially at Grand Slams I like to arrive very early.
Posted: 26.05.09 07:10. Post subject: Questions for Rafa: ..
Questions for Rafa: I like being in the pink, what do you think? Questions from Neil Harman, Tennis Correspondent, The Times
What prompted you to decide to play in pink today?
RN: I knew these colours since the moment some months ago Nike showed us the proposed clothing. I like pink, and I specially like this outfit very much. The whole combination I find it really nice. We wear a lot of pink in Spain and I think it is a nice colour. If you look at my website it is also pink for this tournament.
How would you cope with losing a match 6-0, 6-0, as a British girl did on Centre Court, the match before yours, today?
RN: It is tough to lose 6-0, 6-0, and probably to play Centre Court is tougher for some players. The important thing is to always learn.
Questions from readers
What was the toughest part of today's match for you? William, Sydney
RN: It is always different the first round. I always had some kind of troubles. The most difficult part is to try to find the rhythm, my game.
Who do you think are your biggest rivals for this year's title? Sam, Yorkshire
RN: I am really only thinking on my next round on Wednesday. I don't look ahead. So my next rival is my biggest. If you mean the ones that have been playing good and those who should arrive to the finals clearly those are Federer, Djokovic and Murray. But along the way there are many other good players
What would it mean to win a record five titles in a row? Pauline, England
RN: It would mean a lot but simply because it is winning another titleit doesn't really matter if it is 5 or 6 or 4. But in any case I am only thinking on my next match on Wednesday, that's all.
Why do you bite your trophies after you win a tournament? Jake, New York, age 9
RN: It is something I started doing with my first tournament and I kept doing it.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given and who was it from? Julie Westbrook-Finch, England
RN: To stay always the same, it was my father who told me that.
What made you finally decide to get your hair cut short? Good Luck. Michelle McCarthy, New Fairfield, CT
RN: I don't know. I just did it. I suppose I am not 18 anymore...
It's great to see you blogging again. Are you on Facebook? Jase Ng, Singapore
RN: No, I am not.
How do you decide which fingers to tape for practices and matches? Christie
RN: I tape the ones that need protection to avoid and cover blisters.
What is your favourite kind of chocolate? Katrin, Germany
RN: With milk.
Do you wash and iron your own clothes? Brandy, Memphis
RN: No, not really. I would lie if I say I do. At tournaments we have a laundry service and they do it.
Do you think you'll ever try playing with a one-handed backhand? Anjali, Mumbai, India
RN: No, never. I always played two handed and that's how I know to play.
Posted: 26.05.09 07:30. Post subject: Рафа ответил на вопр..
Рафа ответил на вопросы для El Mundo (перевод Google) "Djokovic is better on clay than Federer' 1 .- Rafa, I'm not a fan of yours as you think. I admire your intelligence in the game and your spirit to excel. When you play on Saturdays or Sundays, I feel those three hours you need to win in front of the TV and then I move. And now I tell you to get more amazing, that I am a nun, and now am 75 years old. But I still feel as if I was your mother. And I give away a laptop? How would you be a good move. Anyway I like you. And pray for you to win. I am sure your victory at Roland Garros. Un abrazo. Sister Maria Teresa Iniesta.
Thank you very much for the encouragement and follow me. Also very grateful for the words. 2 .- Hi Rafa! By temporadón first congratulate you carry. You are a true Crack! Roland Garros this year seems harder than ever, This year Roland Garros seems more difficult than never, the victory of Federer in Madrid has descended us a little the myth of "Nobody beats Nadal on clay and less Federer" Do youbBelieve that that can be suitable you to endeavor you more and to win the revenge in Paris? A hug.
I do not think so. Always better to win and be confident. Always said that Federer is a great player and it still shows. I think that Madrid is not very significant because the surface conditions and the ball are different. Here the ball is in the racket and feel differently. In Madrid, again, the conditions were so favorable to me though were the same for everyone.
3 .- Why are you saying that this year you are at a lower level on clay than in the past ?
No, I did not say that. I said that I am not playing as well as in previous years but it is also true that my season has been better land than the other 3 years with victories in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome and a final in Madrid. I'm very happy with that and I think it is more difficult to do that to win a Roland Garros, so very happy.
4 .- After the end of the Madrid Masters is much talk about the bounce and the height of the ball depending on the type of track. Given your type of game, what conditions benefit or harm you more hard outdoor track without much height (eg, Open Australia) or track but more height (eg Madrid)? Get the examples because the rival of late is the same. Thank you very much for your reply
I think I benefit more gravel at sea level for my playing style, which does not remove any that I can win or I can beat anyone in Bogota ... But to answer your question perhaps more favorable track takes me outdoors because of the bounce of the ball is still high but I have more control of the ball. Is that, as I say, one thing does not remove the other. The conditions in Madrid were different to those of a gravel track as Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Then clear that Roger can win anyway.
5 .- Who do you think is better on the clay at the moment: Djokovic or Federer? Who do you prefer face in the finals? Tries to be politically incorrect and get wet .... Thank you very much
I think Djokovic. He won in Rome and Roger is the one that has achieved the best results of the two this season on the ground (a finalist in Monte Carlo and Rome champion in Belgrade). I look to the next match and not a hypothetical final. That, to me, is getting wet. The other is not realistic, believe me.
6 .- Hola Rafa. Congratulations on all your triumphs! I wanted to know hoe to do to recover after a game as hard as the semifinals of the Madrid Open and the next day to play a final. I was there and I ended up exhausted just animate! (Rocío)
Jajajaja, thank you very much. All we can do is relax and wait for the body to recover. Of course I have my physiotherapist to help me with stretching and massage with ice making recover physically. 7 .- Hi, I'm Xabier. Having read carefully the thoughts that the other day did your uncle Toni Nadal for this newspaper, shared fully by me, I would like to know how Toni has influenced your life and your career. TobBe always at your side, what good advice have he given you?. Rafa, much luck and in San Sebastian you have uncontributed fan.
Toni has influenced my career because he's been with me since childhood, is my uncle. It is clear that I owe him a lot and helped me in part who I am. That's usually what happens between a coach and his pupil.
8 .- Saludos Rafael, has it been damaging for you be a clay court player and have learned to be a player of all kinds of surfaces? ?
No, quite the opposite. I believe that the clay court player has a more complete tennis and can learn to play in other surfaces because has more technique. It is clear that also always it is difficult to improve in any surface. 9 .- Hello Nadal at the Awards ceremony of the Open de Madrid, Federer seemed happy and so did you in spite of having lost. did you talk about the match? It seemed very lively chat.
The award ceremony is a celebration and that what it should be. We talked about the game, on anecdotes.
10 .- Is it true that this year at Roland Garros balls are less heavy? Does this hurt you?
No, I find them the same. It always depends on conditions. Yesterday and today was very hot and sunny so the balls and then the track conditions are different, faster.
Post №: 39
Joined: 24.03.09
Location: Україна, Черкаси
Rank:
1
Posted: 26.05.09 12:50. Post subject: Молодец Рафа, сейчас..
Молодец Рафа, сейчас его постоянно спрашивают о кондициях в Мадриде, и Рафа спокойно повторяет, что они ему просто не подходили. По идее у организаторов Мадрида должна быть одна мысль: как поменять покрытие на турнире а последнее обяснение насчет формы меня наконец удовлетворило - в Испании действительно носят много красного и розового.
Post №: 949
Joined: 23.03.09
Location: Милан
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6
Posted: 26.05.09 12:50. Post subject: http://s45.radikal.r..
Понедельник, 25 мая
Медленный старт- не повод для волнения, всё наладится.
Всем привет
Сегодняшний матч. Наверняка отвечая на ваши вопросы, я уже всё рассказал о матче. Конечно, не было много вопросов о моем матче, возможно так и лучше. Я не очень хорошо играл, не чувствовал себя комфортно на корте, но в итоге то что важно, это победа. Должен сказать, также в прошлом году я плохо стартовал на турнире. Понятно, что дело не только во мне, но также и в хорошей игре моего оппонента, Маркоса. Как я говорил, также в прошлых годах я медленно стартовал на турнире, но это ОК. Конечно, мне нужно улучшить игру и играть хорошо.
Мой ранний приезд. Некоторые люди спрашивали меня, почему так рано приехал на РГ. Я приехал в среду, чтобы спокойно потренироваться в четверг, где я также играл показательный матч. Мне нравиться пораньше приезжать на турниры. Не так уж и много есть турниров, куда я приезжаю поздно….. но в последние три года я приезжал на Куинс в понедельник, но у меня было отличное оправдание….Когда я переезжал с турнира на турнир и мог доходить до финалов я без сомнения приезжал немного поздно, но в других случаях я приезжал пораньше чтобы привыкнуть к условиям. В особенности на турниры БШ мне нравится приезжать пораньше.
Post №: 1874
Joined: 22.03.09
Location: Ялта
Rank:
8
Posted: 26.05.09 13:14. Post subject: Вопросы для Рафы: М..
Вопросы для Рафы: Мне нравится быть в розовом, а как думаете вы? Вопросы Neil Harman, теннисного корреспондента The Times
Что побудило в Вас решение играть сегодня в розовом?
РН: Я знал эти цвета уже несколько месяцев с момента, когда Найк показало нам образцы предлагаемой одежды. Я люблю розовый, и по особенному очень люблю эту форму. В таком сочетании она мне кажется очень красивой. В Испании мы носим много розового, и я думаю, этот цвет очень приятный. Если вы посмотрите на мой веб-сайт, он также розовый на время этого турнира. Как бы Вы справились если бы проиграли матч со счетом 6-0 6-0, как это случилось сегодня с британской девушкой на Центральном Корте, в матче, предшествующем вашему?
РН: Это тяжело проиграть матч со счетом 6-0, 6-0, а для некоторых игроков, возможно, еще тяжелее играя на Центральном корте. Очень важно всегда учиться.
Вопросы от читателей Какой момент сегодняшнего матча был самым сложным для тебя? William, Sydney РН: Первый раунд всегда проходит по разному. У меня всегда были в них какие то проблемы. Самое сложное попытаться найти ритм, свою игру. Кого ты считаешь своим главным конкурентом в борьбе за титул этого года? Sam, Yorkshire
РН: Прежде всего я думаю о своем следующем раунде в среду. Я не загадываю наперед. Поэтому следующий мой соперник – самый главный. Если Вы имеете в виду тех, кто хорошо играют и тех, кто скорее всего дойдет до финала это Федерер, Маррей и Джокович. Но по пути есть и много других хороших игроков. Что для Вас будет значить выиграть пять титулов подряд? Pauline, England
РН: Это будет значит очень много, но лишь потому, что это очередной титул и не важно 5й он, 6й или 4й. Но в любом случае я думаю лишь о моем следующем матче в среду, вот и все.
Почему ты кусаешь свои трофеи, после победы на турнире? Jake, New York, 9 лет
РН: Я сделал это выиграв свой первый турнир [Мастерс – прим.] после чего продолжил делать это.
Каким был лучший совет, который ты получил и кто был этим человеком? Julie Westbrook-Finch, England
РН: Всегда оставаться самим собой, это сказал мне мой отец.
Почему ты все-таки, наконец, решил так коротко остричь свои волосы? Удачи. Michelle McCarthy, New Fairfield, CT
РН: Я не знаю. Я просто сделал это. Мне ведь больше не 18...
Очень здорово видеть снова твой блог. Ты есть в Facebook? [сайт типа нашего «контакта» - прим.] Jase Ng, Singapore
РН: Нет. Как ты решаешь какие пальцы тейпировать для тренировок и матчей? Christie
РН: Я тейпирую пальцы, которые нуждаются в защите, чтобы избежать волдырей.
Какой твой любимый шоколад? Katrin, Germany
РН: Молочный.
Ты сам стираешь и гладишь свою одежду? Brandy, Memphis
РН: Нет, это не реально. Я солгал бы, если сказал что сам делаю это. На турнирах у нас есть прачечный персонал, они делают это.
Думаете ли Вы, когда-нибудь пробовать играть одноручным бэкхендом? Anjali, Mumbai, India
РН: Нет, никогда. Я всегда играл его двумя руками, и это то, как я привык играть.
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