Pre-tournament interview. Original interview in French
Nadal : This doesn’t change anything
Interview by Yannick Sagorin for sports.fr
Winner of the French Open at his very first participation in 2005, Rafael Nadal has always returned to Roland-Garros as the title holder. Returning to the Porte d’Auteuil this year, he doesn’t look back with regret over having lost this status last year. Unbeaten on clay this season, the Mallorcan has one clear goal; to win in Paris, without asking himself more questions, as we’re used from him.
Back in Paris…what’s your first emotion ?
I’m very happy to be here, in Paris. I love this city! It’s one of the most beautiful cities I know and for me, to be in Roland-Garros is always something fantastic.
It’s the first time you come here not as the title holder. Are you feeling differently before the start of the tournament?
I have lost count over how many times I’ve responded to this question. At least 100 times…Sure, I didn’t win last year but the goal always remains the same. The years come and go but the goals don’t change. When I arrive in this tournament, the goal is to play my best tennis and to get the best possible results. In the end, it’s not really important whether you are the title holder or not. It’s doesn’t change anything.
Which opponents do you fear the most?
For me, the most difficult encounter is always the first round. It’s always been like that. So, at this moment, my toughest opponent is my next opponent…
You say that your goal is always the same but hasn’t your eagerness grown this year?
I have always had the same motivation. I’ve always wanted to play at my best level at each tournament. I’ve played well on clay recently and this is very important for my confidence. I’ve won three titles that are very important to me (ed: Monte Carlo, Rome and Madrid). Before that, I had a drought for eleven months. I had difficult moments. I had injuries and when I came back, naturally I very much wanted to win again. So, it’s a personal satisfaction and as a result, I felt a bit more relaxed after Monte Carlo.
What do you know about your first opponent?
I don’t know him so I can’t tell much about him. He played the Juniors final here last year, that’s all I know. It will certainly be a difficult opponent because the first round is always complicated. Especially against a young player.
Does it change anything for you to play against a French player?
No, that’s not important. Before being French, he’s a young player starting on tour. This is what holds my attention and I think that he can be as good as any other player.
Another meeting with Roger Federer is not impossible. Don’t you fear having too much confidence against an opponent you’ve beaten so often?
I only risk meeting him in the final so the odds are not that huge. Furthermore, I’m never too confident in grand slam tournaments because usually, I play against the best players in the world. Each match is a challenge.
Your last victory on clay was in Madrid. Are the playing conditions totally different compared to those in Roland-Garros ?
Yes, here, the court is very big and the win swirls. It’s more difficult to play here. But I’ve always managed to deal well with those circumstances. A bit like in Monte Carlo.
The clay is also different. How does that translate in terms of top spin ?
It’s true that the clay is very different in Roland-Garros. In Madrid, the weather is very dry so the court is very hard. On that court, it’s difficult to move. On the other hand, here, it’s much easier to run, to slide. The difficulty in Roland-Garros resides in the fact that the court is so big and you’re forced to play against the wind. As a result, you have the impression that your shots are never long enough. However, I know this court by heart by now. For me, to be able to return here is always a very special feeling.
What have you done between the Madrid Masters and today ? Have you taken a bit of rest, have you trained?
On Monday, I took a day off and from Tuesday on, I trained. I mostly did some sports in a gym and I also played a bit of tennis. I increased that since Wednesday. I’m ready!
Tomorrow evening, the Champions League final takes place in Madrid. Will you watch it?
Of course, I adore football! I watch as many matches as I can and it’s inconceivable that I’m not watching this final. However, I won’t be giving you my favorite.
Also Gianni Mina, Rafa's first round opponent was interviewed & he had this to say about Rafa:
Winner of the French Open at his very first participation in 2005, Rafael Nadal has always returned to Roland-Garros as the title holder. Returning to the Porte d’Auteuil this year, he doesn’t look back with regret over having lost this status last year. Unbeaten on clay this season, the Mallorcan has one clear goal; to win in Paris, without asking himself more questions, as we’re used from him.
Back in Paris…what’s your first emotion ?
I’m very happy to be here, in Paris. I love this city! It’s one of the most beautiful cities I know and for me, to be in Roland-Garros is always something fantastic.
It’s the first time you come here not as the title holder. Are you feeling differently before the start of the tournament?
I have lost count over how many times I’ve responded to this question. At least 100 times…Sure, I didn’t win last year but the goal always remains the same. The years come and go but the goals don’t change. When I arrive in this tournament, the goal is to play my best tennis and to get the best possible results. In the end, it’s not really important whether you are the title holder or not. It’s doesn’t change anything.
Which opponents do you fear the most?
For me, the most difficult encounter is always the first round. It’s always been like that. So, at this moment, my toughest opponent is my next opponent…
You say that your goal is always the same but hasn’t your eagerness grown this year?
I have always had the same motivation. I’ve always wanted to play at my best level at each tournament. I’ve played well on clay recently and this is very important for my confidence. I’ve won three titles that are very important to me (ed: Monte Carlo, Rome and Madrid). Before that, I had a drought for eleven months. I had difficult moments. I had injuries and when I came back, naturally I very much wanted to win again. So, it’s a personal satisfaction and as a result, I felt a bit more relaxed after Monte Carlo.
What do you know about your first opponent?
I don’t know him so I can’t tell much about him. He played the Juniors final here last year, that’s all I know. It will certainly be a difficult opponent because the first round is always complicated. Especially against a young player.
Does it change anything for you to play against a French player?
No, that’s not important. Before being French, he’s a young player starting on tour. This is what holds my attention and I think that he can be as good as any other player.
Another meeting with Roger Federer is not impossible. Don’t you fear having too much confidence against an opponent you’ve beaten so often?
I only risk meeting him in the final so the odds are not that huge. Furthermore, I’m never too confident in grand slam tournaments because usually, I play against the best players in the world. Each match is a challenge.
Your last victory on clay was in Madrid. Are the playing conditions totally different compared to those in Roland-Garros ?
Yes, here, the court is very big and the win swirls. It’s more difficult to play here. But I’ve always managed to deal well with those circumstances. A bit like in Monte Carlo.
The clay is also different. How does that translate in terms of top spin ?
It’s true that the clay is very different in Roland-Garros. In Madrid, the weather is very dry so the court is very hard. On that court, it’s difficult to move. On the other hand, here, it’s much easier to run, to slide. The difficulty in Roland-Garros resides in the fact that the court is so big and you’re forced to play against the wind. As a result, you have the impression that your shots are never long enough. However, I know this court by heart by now. For me, to be able to return here is always a very special feeling.
What have you done between the Madrid Masters and today ? Have you taken a bit of rest, have you trained?
On Monday, I took a day off and from Tuesday on, I trained. I mostly did some sports in a gym and I also played a bit of tennis. I increased that since Wednesday. I’m ready!
Tomorrow evening, the Champions League final takes place in Madrid. Will you watch it?
Of course, I adore football! I watch as many matches as I can and it’s inconceivable that I’m not watching this final. However, I won’t be giving you my favorite.
Also Gianni Mina, Rafa's first round opponent was interviewed & he had this to say about Rafa:
What is Rafael Nadal for you?
This is the best player of all time on clay. I appreciate it very much even a little more than Federer (laughs). He has tremendous mental capacity. It's a chance to play against him.
0 comments