The things I love most about New York
Rafael Nadal


If you could pick three things you love most about NYC, what would they be? -Manahil

RN: The ambience, the energy, and the buildings

What is the weirdest or funniest thing a fan has ever asked you or done in front of you? -Tim

RN: Well, now that I am in NY again I remember that guy that came last year and told me he loved me. That was funny. Poor guy got in trouble. Hope he is OK.

You said you recently read a book about Spanish History so if you could have been alive sometime in the past, when would you like to have lived and why? -Juilette

RN: Wow, tough one since we had quite a few interesting characters

What is the most embarrassing thing to happen to you on court? -Dina

RN: Can't think of anything... on purpose. Trying to forget

A couple of months ago you said in an interview that if you get back to No. 1, you and your father are going to buy a yacht. Well, you are back in the top position - what about the yacht? -E Fellegi

RN: I don't remember saying that, really... If I did, I think I was wrong...

Journalists and interviewers ask you the same questions all the time and you are so good at dealing with them - you always have a good answer. Do you think of what you might be asked before you are interviewed and have some answers ready or do you just ad-lib? -Juliette Westbrook-Finch

RN: Hahhahahahah. Not really, but if they ask me the same question it is obvious I give the same answer...

During a match we always see players sweating. How much weight can you lose in an average match? How much fluid do you need to take in and how does the heat you are experiencing in New York add to the weight loss/fluid intake? -Claire

RN: Max 2/3 kilos.

You always eat 'something' right before the match and I wonder what that is. Is it sort of an energybar, of vitamins, or ....? -Els

RN: I normally eat plain pasta.

When did you learn French? I noticed you spoke in French this year at the French Open. Did you learn the language because you have won 5 Grand Slams there? -Lisa Grebe

RN: I learned a few sentences but not much. It is very difficult for me... Already struggling with English!

I admire your competitiveness but I wonder if you ever feel like applauding a good shot by an opponent on court? -Christy

RN: Sure.

Today I was terrible. I need your support!
Rafael Nadal

Hello everyone, Let me just say that I had a terrible practice today and wasn’t happy at all. It is strange.

I really started well, the first 45 minutes but when I played I didn’t do well. We play this game called 11, and that is a tie-break to 11 but with no serve. You just put the ball in play. I lost every single one.

So I was really upset and decided to stop and think about what’s going on. I know that tomorrow’s match is a tricky one, one of those matches where everybody thinks I have to win and win easy, but instead it is a very difficult match against a player who is playing really well lately.

We’ll see what happens.

Thanks for being there and for the support.

Rafa




Sympathy for Roddick and scary helicopter ridesRafael Nadal


What would it mean to you if you won the U.S Open this year? Jasmin Kurenkunnas

RN: It would mean a lot, really something special, but that is right now very far. My concern is to win tomorrow’s match against Istomin.

Did you have a small part-time job when you were growing up to help pay for things like CDs and treats? Lots of kids in the UK do this when they are at school and I wondered if it was the same in Mallorca? Daisy

RN: No, not really. I don’t think it is the same in Mallorca. But it is not a bad idea!

What are your thoughts on Andy Roddick’s behavior after the foot fault call against Janko Tipsarevic? I think a lot of people admire your ability to stay calm during matches. Do you have any advice for Andy? -Lisa Grebe

RN: I didn’t see what happened and haven’t spoken to Andy about it. Sorry. I don’t think I am anyone who give advices, specially with someone with so much experience like Andy. I like him, he is a very nice guy.

Do you increase your food intake when playing at the big tournaments? What is your favourite food. George Loggie

RN: No, I eat the same. I eat a lot, but the same.

When you eventually retire from professional tennis how would you most like to be remembered when people talk about the tennis greats? -Bee

RN: I am focused now on what I do now and then time will say and tell. Not worried for the moment.

How did you like your helicopter ride in Toronto? You didn’t look too comfortable! Sharon Bond

RN: SCARY!!!!

Do you find, as John McEnroe has said, that losses affect your confidence in yourself as well as your game? I guess this season hasn’t been much of a problem for that. Emma

RN: Maybe sometimes. It is obvious that when you win the confidence is way up and makes it easier.

I’d like to know if you plan to come to play in Romania or around it (I know Juan Monaco and Nicolas Almagro usually come here)? I really hope to see you. Alexandra, Romania.

RN: I don’t have it currently on my schedule, Who knows if maybe in the future.

I know you once said you like Nutella. When I went to Barcelona this summer, I had some Nutella ice-cream and it was the best ice-cream I had ever tasted! Have you tried it? Carin, Brighton

RN: I love it! I love Nutella.

Are you definitely playing in Bangkok? Because the moment you say you are, I’m buying tickets. Abbey Manila, Philippines

RN: YES I AM. I owe it to the fans in Thailand and to the tournament organizers. I will be there!!! (aww bless)

Rafa's back!
Carrie Dunn

Rafael Nadal, the world No 1, will once again be blogging exclusively for The Times during the US Open.

Can he add the title at Flushing Meadows to his list of grand slams? Follow his progress here - and remember to ask him a question. rafael.nadal@thetimes.co.uk