It pays to take things easy before an evening match
Rafael Nadal
1 hour ago

Hello everyone,

Back here writing this small post from NY before I go for lunch. Actually before I order room service since I don't think I am going out for lunch today. I did yesterday, after I practiced and came back to the city. But the day of the match I prefer to stay quit and relaxed, eat in my room, watch a movie, have a look at the internet, read all the papers and wait for the time to go to the site.

I am playing second match after seven and so that you know I am leaving the hotel to the tournament at 3.45 pm. This way I have plenty of time to get there, get ready, warm up at 5.15 and then stay in the locker room waiting for the match. This would be a normal routine day that I play. Simple, easy and keeping the energy for the match.

Rafa


I have learnt to deal with pressure from an early age
Rafael Nadal

Some players have trouble with working with two coaches at one time, but it works for you. Is it because your two coaches, Tony and Francis, always hold the same point of view about the way you play? Marjorie

I have my uncle as coach and when he doesn't travel Francis Roig comes with me. In the end is having one coach only since I am traveling with one of the two. Never with both.
Did you have any secret tricks for dealing with the pressure when you were younger and less experienced? May

I learned since I was very young how to deal and cope with pressure and bad moments. It is important to learn that, important to have fun while suffering. Not that I am a crazy but simply to learn to play and to stay in a match at tough moments. You can basically practice everything.

What is your favourite animal? Which animal do you think best represents your personality? Zainab

I don't have any special animals and I don't think any animal represents my personality. I am a human being just like you.

Sometimes after you win a difficult point you yell something. Can you tell us what it is that you’re yelling and what it means? Dan

I normally say "Vamos" which is "come on"

Do you try to 'save the planet' by re-cycling or doing any other 'green' things? Juiliette

I try to behave always in a civic way. Is that saving the planet?

What's the hardest match you've ever played? Val

Many of them. Too many to get here in detail, It would be unfair to point out one or two.

Gilles Simon is only one year older than you and now he has a family ... are you thinking about this? Even a little? Sian

Not really. Actually not at all at the moment. Happy for him though, Each and one of us is different.

You have already won a lot of important matches in your career. I was wondering what feels better: winning them in straight sets or winning them after a long fight? Cornelia

Winning them believe me. It doesn't matter if it is in straight sets or in the 5th. What counts is to win.

I love your new shorter haircut. Is it more comfortable to deal with and will you keep it short? Teresita

Thanks, I didn't mean to cut it so short but I agree it is more comfortable and Julien did a great job.

Do you ever thing about taking up another sport after tennis? If so, what would it be? Rob

No, I don't think so. It would be almost impossible.