Rafa's blog: a Happy Birthday in Paris
Hi everyone,

Short one today since I need to go to sleep in 10 mins max (it takes me more than that to write this blog...)

Had a great time today. It was my birthday and I have to say that I have received a lot of congrats from many people. Already this morning during breakfast, my family and my team were there and wished me all the best. Some jokes from Toni, and from my father on how old I am starting to become

Then I got to the stadium and during practice lots of people were there wishing me the best and even singing the Happy Birthday song in English, French and Spanish. Also at the press center where I went to blow out candles. As I said yesterday, it's much better this year than last year at home... Nice to do it at home but in a few years hopefully...

I am going to the tournament tomorrow at 10.30 am already and have the warm up hit at 11.30. Let's see how it goes.

Many thanks to all for all the messages today.

Thanks.

Rafa



Questions for Rafa: have you ever bitten too hard on a trophy?
During your tournament presentations have you ever accidentely bitten too hard on the trophy and left a mark on it or hurt your tooth? Jilly S
RN: No, no hahahahah. Funny what you say. But I did once bite it kind of hard and jokingly I mentioned it.

Are you looking forward to cooking for yourself at Wimbledon this year? Will you be trying out any new recipes? Kim McKenzie

RN: I am looking forward to tomorrow's match, to finish well at Roland Garros, then looking forward to Queen's since I couldn't play there last year and I had committed to the club and the organization to come. And then, obviously looking forward to Wimbledon, but not sure I am looking forward to the cooking part...

What do you think of the French crowd this year? They seem as silent as ever to me. In your match against Almagro they hardly made any noise at all. Tay Green

RN: Everything is well. No problem. Hopefully tomorrow they'll cheer.

What did you have for dinner on your birthday? Yaritza, Puerto Rico

RN: Pizza margherita and pasta with seafood. No dessert.

Happy birthday Rafa. Would your best present would be to win here at Roland Garros? Sia, Canada

RN: Many thanks. And absolutely!!!

Being a Las Vegas native, I've always wondered if you like to gamble? JoAnn Chu

RN: Not much but I do go to the Casino in Melbourne and play 100 or 200 dollars from time to time. Not a big gambler definitely.

I've just read that besides Spanish pop music and musicals (oh, yes, the Phantom...) you also like to listen to classical music. Which are your favorite composers? Ruth, Brazil

RN: I don't really listen much to classical music.

What kind of physical or mental adjustments are needed to go from hardcourt to clay? Kathy, Minnesota

RN: There are many changes in the game. The patience and how to play the point are the main things.