Ht: 6-1 Wt: 188

 

DOB: June 3, 1986 In: Manacor, Mallorca, Spain.

 

Tennis Inspiration: “When I was 10-12-years old I start playing well and maybe at that moment I started thinking I can be a pro. You never know how tough it is to be a professional player. So just I try my best and I finally did it. 

 

Current Motivation: "For me it’s very easy. I always have one person in front of me, better than me in everything. So when I look at Roger in front of me all the time – better forehand, better backhand, better serve. I believe that’s the truth.”

 

Childhood Heroes: "I don't have any idols, any heroes, nothing, no. But having a player like Moya in Mallorca was very important for me. I have the opportunity to practice with him a lot of times. That's helped me a lot. And having a model closer to you is easier. So that's important for me.”

 

Hobbies/Interests: “I like fishing. Not actual fishing — I like the peace and quiet of being at sea. It’s different. I like (to) stay with my friends. Go to beach. Go to cinema. Futbol. Play golf.”

 

Nicknames: Rafa, The Raging Bull.

 

Favorite Movies: "Gladiator, Titanic."

 

Musical Tastes: “Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Shakira, David Brisbal, Mana.”

 

Early Tennis Memory: “Four hours — practice one or two times a week.”

 

Favorite Meal: “Olives, steak, pasta, fish.”

 

Favorite Breakfast Cereal: “Frosted Flakes in hot chocolate.”

 

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Vanilla.”

 

Pre-Match Feeling: “Play with incredible motivation. A little bit nervous, but good.”

 

First Job: “Tennis.”

 

First Car: “Kia Sportage.”

 

Current Car:  "Kia. Aston Martin."

 

Greatest Sports Moment: “The three most important moments in my career probably was first Roland Garros – well maybe the first Davis Cup – first Roland Garros, and first Wimbledon. And later Olympics (2008).”

 

Most Painful Moment: “I don’t know. When I stay injured three months (stress fracture in left ankle joint in 2004). Missed Monte Carlo, Rome, Hamburg, Paris (Roland Garros), Wimbledon.”

 

Closest Tennis Friends: “I have all the Spanish players. And I have good relations with all players. Carlos Moya. I know him for so long. I know him very well. He’s very sharp. He’s a great person even outside the game of tennis. A great guy. One of the best players in the world. I get along very well with Carlos.”

 

Funniest Players Encountered: “I don’t know.”

 

Toughest Competitors: “All the players, they is playing good. And I think the best player now is Federer. But all players good.”

 

Favorite Tournament(s): “I like many of them. I cannot name one.  Wimbledon. Roland Garros. Monte Carlo. I love the crowds in Miami. I feel that is one of the tournaments where I get more support. That helps me a lot.”

 

Childhood Dream: “I like a lot the futbol, the soccer. But I like my first dream is any one day I can do the No. 1 in tennis.”

 

Favorite Athletes To Watch: “Ronaldo. Thierry Henry. Frank Lampard. Zidane. Ronaldino. FC Barcelona is a club I have supported for a long time. (Basketball?) Pau Gasol — he’s playing in Memphis. (Tennis?) Federer — he plays very nice. He can do all the shots. I like him. And Hewitt. Because I like the mentality. Fred Couples. I met him, he was very nice.”

 

Favorite Vacation Spot: “In Mallorca.”

 

Funny Tennis Memory: “Hmmm. I don’t know because I have a lot moments funny and a lot of moments good.”

 

2008 Olympic Experience In Beijing:  "For me it was the first time at the Olympics. I enjoyed meeting a lot of sportsmen. It was an amazing experience. And being there in the village - I make a lot of friends."

 

What Would You Be If Not A Tennis Player:  "For me, it's futbol, here (it's called) soccer. Before tennis I started three-years-old. I have to stop because my family gave me (rule) that I have to study. So I have to study. So tennis and soccer. It's impossible at that age (to do both). So finally I decide tennis."

 

People Qualities Most Admired: “For me is good. The good persons.”