Saturday, May 29, 2010
Early to bed and early to rise at the French Open
Hi everyone,

Quite a good day today. It started very early for what we normally do since I left for the tournament site at 8am. Had my warm up at 8.45am which is a very early time to hit normally. The problem for me was to go to sleep - to get to sleep rather. I normally go to sleep around 12.30 and 1 am and so yesterday I decided not to go out for dinner, had some room service and go to sleep soon...That was the intention.

So had an early match which is also good since we finished pretty early. With press conference and a promotional act I did for IBATUR (Balearic Islands Tourism Board) at the tournament I was practically done by 3.30 pm. That is also very early for my standards. Other players spend less time on-site but I normally spend a lot of hours.

I have to say it was good to be back early. I got some rest in the afternoon and went for dinner with my team also early. Tomorrow I am playing again, something not common either at Grand Slams, so wanted to take things in an easy way.

Goodnight and thanks,

Rafa

Blog

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Ask Rafa: I'm cheering on the LA Lakers


I heard Toni voted for Bjorn Borg as the best clay court player ever on a survey by L'Equipe. I think he's wrong and you are the best. What do you think?
Vanessa, London

Rafa: I don't know, really. I am sure he feels bad voting for me, it looks strange to vote for your nephew, I suppose. You should ask Toni actually.

What did you think of Novak and Troicki impersonating you and Shakira?
Kim, London

Rafa: I haven't seen it yet. I suppose it is funny...

I am a very happy tennis and basketball fan, with you playing so well and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA play-offs. Have you been in touch with Pau Gasol and are you hoping he wins another championship? Aly

Rafa: I am many times in touch with him and I hope they win!


Sometimes you have to play against players you do not know, like Gianni Mina and Horacio Zeballos. Do you face these kind of matches in a different way then against players you have played for so many years now?
Ana, Madrid

Rafa: Not really. I always try to play my game on these occasions.

You always come across as such a modest person and enjoy your privacy. How do you manage to cope with all the attention you get?
Denzy

Rafa: It is part of the life I have and I try to be nice to everyone. Why change?

What you are thinking as you prepare to serve each time?
Beth, USA

Rafa: On where to put it, how to do it, speed, angle...

Why do you always bite the trophy? Why don't you kiss it like the other players?
Rose Dakin

Rafa: I always did it since I won my first tournament.

Do you have any plans to come and see any games at the World Cup?
Carmen Campbell, South Africa

Rafa: I am afraid I won't be able to come but I'll watch it on TV.

Apart from Spain who else will you support at the World Cup?
Lola Myme

Rafa: We'll see.

I really enjoyed watching you and Federer play doubles at the charity matches for Haiti earlier this year. Will we ever see you and Roger play a doubles event together in a tournament? I think you two would be unbeatable together.
Olivia, New Zealand

Rafa: I don't know; I am sure at some point we will play.