Do you have a question for Rafael Nadal? Email sport@theage.com.au or ask your question via our live blog and Rafa will respond.



Question from Gajendra Bhansali: Hello Rafa, a very big good luck to you for Oz open. My question is you complain of long ATP calender, that takes a toll on your body. So my suggestion is why don't you simply skip the tournaments like ATP 500 and even ATP masters 1000? They are not mandatory I suppose as far as my knowledge goes. So what's your take on this? Bye good luck I am your greatest and craziest fan and concerned about your health, that's why such a suggestion or question. For me you are the greatest. Please do reply. LOVE YOU

Rafa says: Thanks Gajendra. Well it is not as simple as you might think.  First of all you have to play the 1000 events because they are mandatory events. If you don't play them your ranking suffers since they all count and if you don't play you get a zero pointer. You also have to play mandatory 4 of the 500 events. The problem is that there is no off season and it all depends on the number of matches you play during a year. Not easy to solve. Too long to explain here.


Question from Patricia Giralt: Why don't you travel with a cook to take care of your diet? I guess when Djokovic changed his diet he does not even sweat that much when Rafa is sweating profusely. It used to be the opposite. Don't you think changing your diet may help you as it helped Novak?

Rafa says: I am good the way I travel and there are great restaurants every where we go. I don't think there is a real need for that.


Question from Jane Harper: Hi Rafa, I sure hope your knee is feeling better.  That must have been so frightening. I want to ask a fun question.  What is your favourite Christmas carol?

Rafa says: I don't know. I suppose the usual ones in Spain.  


Question from Olivia: Hi Rafa!! How are you? Do you spend any time reading your timeline in Twitter, and have you thought of  answering to fans' questions directly? We would love that if it's possible! Good luck for your 2nd round match and the entire tournament!

Rafa says: Sometimes I do but not always. Simply too many messages and in English most of them so that makes it more difficult.


Question from Naomi Wallace: Rafa, I have read many times that you like fish. To watch (at the aquarium), to catch (on your boat), and to eat (whenever you can). Is there something about fish in particular, as an animal, that makes them so special to you, especially to watch? Is there something about the way a fish moves so quickly, turns so quickly, that you would like to emulate on court? Please win the Olympic gold for Spain (and Kentucky, where I am from). Best wishes.

Rafa says: It is a very good question. I do love fish and in all forms you describe but I never stopped to think about it the way you say. I think it is beautiful and love to go to aquariums. I might even go today if I win and finish not too late. But believe me I don't try to emulate them swimming! I am actually a bad swimmer.


Question from Stephen Lew: Dear Rafa, Great to have you back in Melbourne. How many languages do you speak fluently? When you talk to Roger Federer, which language(s) do you use to speak together?

Rafa says: I speak other than Spanish, Mallorcan (sort of Catalan language) and my "funny" English.  Roger and I speak English, oh well, I try to speak English....


Question from Ferid: Is your goal to win Australian Open? And what you think if you make an event in north Africa like Tunisia.. Its always in Europe or America, don’t forget your fans in Africa Rafa.

Rafa says: My goal once I am competing is to win but.... I would love to play there once. I know I have a lot of fans from there! I see that on my Facebook page.


Question from George Karanfilovski: My question relates to the complaints many male tennis players on the ATP tour seem to be making regarding the scheduling of tournaments and the distribution of prize money. What are your views on these two issues and of any other issues that I'm not aware of?

Rafa says: Tough to respond to this question in few lines! But clearly it is an issue that has been addressed.


Question from Zeti: Hola, Rafa :-) 1. What's is your favourite childhood storybook and superhero? 2. What is your favourite subject in school?  3. What' is your favourite colour?  Vamos, Rafa ! Be the no.1 again :-) All the best & Good Luck.

Rafa says: 1. None. 2. Sports. 3. Blue.


Question from Zahra Costello:

Hello Rafa. I was wondering if you had noticed how famous the little rolling bag you used in Abu Dhabi had become? It's now on twitter with hundreds of followers.
Rafa says: Funny isn't it? I can't believe it. I just didn't have another one and carried that one day. I normally carry my wires, laptop, PS3 etc there.


Question from Belen Mateo:

Rafa, compared to your participation in the tournament last year, how do you see yourself right now? Are you feeling healthier and more confident? Best of luck this year! 
Rafa says: I am feeling well although it is only the beginning and if I keep winning there is a long way to go.


Question from Usaid Ghauri:

It definitely troubles a person after a defeat, especially when you know that you could have turned it to a win.  So what is your feeling at the moment when your opponent hits the match point? And how do you manage to control that frustration, if there is any?

Rafa says: Wow, tough question. It all depends how the match goes. If it has been an easy match for the rival is different than if we are playing close and it could go either way.  If the guy has been better you just go there to the net, shake hands, congratulate him and wish him good luck! You can be sure that I gave my 100% though.


Question from Arshad Khan:


Rafa, I am one of your greatest FANS. I don’t remember even missing one single match of your on TV. I have question about game with Novak .What changes are you making to encounter Novak attack both side.  I have watched your US open final 10 times. In 3rd Set you started slicing more, I guess keeping the ball Low and slice him more keep NOVAK off grad of attaching. You are one match away from getting into his head. He has a week personality compare to you and Rogers.

Rafa says: Thanks for this. I think the analysis of the 3rd set is right but it would be very long to comment the whole match. It changed a lot in every set!


Question from Judith Forde:


Hola rafa. Did you know that the bag you used in Middle East has its own twitter account called @RafasRollingBag. We all miss it. Are you going to bring it on court again?

Rafa says: Hahahahahahaha. I didn't know but I read something here. Not thinking in bringing it out again but will certainly talk to Nike about it!


Question from Olga:


First, we BELIEVE and know you will do your best and we pray your health will allow you to do your best.  I guess it's really a family question and if it is too personal it's okay.  How does all the travelling and the time away from home impact everyone, even those travelling with you?  Seems to us like the schedule does need to be changed.  Look forward to seeing you in Indian Wells and NY at the Open.  Take care, all the best, Olga

Rafa says: Well, I travel with a nice group of people and besides from working we are all good friends and get along pretty well. This is good and necessary for me. Then my family also comes sometimes to tournaments and I really enjoy when they a around. I miss some people obviously but I know this is also my job and I am very fortunate I have to say.


Question from Adam:


Greetings, our champion. We live in NJ, in the USA and you need to know how many people support you for the US Open as well as the rest of the tournaments and my Mom and a friend will be in Indian Wells.  We all hope you exceed your own expectations and your health stays well. My question:  How are there differences in hard court surfaces and their impact on the game?  Also, how much does the weather impact play? Thanks and DO WELL! All the best, Adam from Montvale, NJ

Rafa says: Hard courts are tough on the body and this is a problem for our future, when we stop playing. We have also addressed this issue to our reps since we have to take care of the health of players. Regarding the weather, the best example is the last 2 years at the Us Open where it rained so much that the final has been played for two consecutive years a day after initially planned. Also all the mess with the previous rounds.


 Question from Kelly M:

Hi Rafa! I find you an inspiration, and when I am afraid or think I cannot do something I think of your dedication and fighting spirit and it helps me to get motivated, gives me courage and I give all my energy to my task. How does it feel for you when you hear that you are inspiring your fans in this way? Thank you for being such a fabulous role model!

Rafa says: Many thanks for these kind words. For me is an honour to hear this and I am very thankful. Sometimes I hear people that say that to me and they are fighting health problems and to me that is something amazing since that is really important. What I do is only sport and i believe not comparable. Life and health is much more important and serious.


Question from Zoe:  I live in England and I know how much of a euphoria there is at the time of when Wimbledon is about to start, how does it compare to the atmosphere in Melbourne for the Australian Open? Also in the UK, if we find a 4 leaf clover it is considered to be very lucky, do you take anything with you that you feel is lucky for you on your travels?

Rafa says: I think it is different in a way but still this is a very big event, a very important event and there is a lot of attention to it. Regarding the lucky thing I don't take anything.

Question from Mary Cotta: You have many fans around the world and they all want to see you become number one again. Are you focusing on reaching the top this year or do you think that this will be just a consequence of playing good matches and doing your best?
Rafa says: For me the important thing is to win matches and tournaments. This is the priority.

Question from Matthew Levine: First I want to say that you are the best no matter what the rankings say, and you inspire me to work as hard as I can on the tennis court. What are you working on to beat Novak? Last year you had opportunities in every match to come out with a win but he just won the big points. Would you ever consider playing doubles with Roger? It would be great for tennis!
Rafa says: I am actually working on everything to beat my next rival tomorrow. I don't really think of anything else since every match is very difficult and I could potentially find Novak only at the final, still far away. Regarding doubles with Roger, I would love to. I hope one day we can play.

Question from Jolanda Torn: My question is not about tennis, more about how you cope with all the attention all day every day. Do you really keep friendly all the time? And if u wanted to get angry to a very irritating fan, how do you deal with this frustration or doesnt it frustrate it you at all? Good luck with this year!
Rafa says: Thanks Jolanda. I tryt to be me always and be nice with people the same way they are with me. I have to be thankful always since thanks to the fans we are also here with all this attention.

Question from Arthur: Hi, Rafa my question for you would be are you gonna talk in french this year in the ceremony of the french open I believe that you gonna make it and make history is what you love to do. So i'm wondering if you gonna do it in french and i can't wait till july love ya and God Bless.
Rafa says: I learn some words in French every year. I hope I have the chance to do so, that would mean I played the final and I have the mic ! :-)

Question from Sarah Fry, Southampton: Hello Rafael. If you could win just one tournament this year (obviously hope you win more) which one would be the most important for you and why?  
Rafa says: This is a tough one since I would love to win any of the Grand Slams, they are the biggest on the tennis calendar. But I give importance to all tournaments I play.

Question: Rafa you had answered Federer winning the wimbeldon in 2008 making a point that wimbledon is not any more Roger's arena. Answered your critics in 2010, who wrote you off in 2009, after you came back from your injury winning 3 slams. 2011 is where Novak had a great year against you. When will you answer Novak, this year? Because we know that nothing in the world is as strong as "your mind".
Rafa says: I hope I can "answer" as you say pretty quickly!!!! ;-)

Question from Sarah: Thank you ahead of time for answering my question and being so gracious to your fans. We all LOVE you! You are now an Idol to many many people now. Do you still have an Idol or a person that you admirer?
Rafa says: Thanks Sarah. I never had idols to be honest with you. Liked many people and specially followed sports, but no idols.

Question from Kathryn: How do I stop dreaming about you. I dreamed last night we were going to Hawaii. Don't get wrong...they are lovely dreams. OK in all seriousness, what do you plan to change this year so you can kick Novak's butt and knock him down a few pegs? Love, Love, Love watching you.
Rafa says: I normally don't dream about me.


Question from Melis: I have some questions for Rafa from Turkey.
1. When you will retire from tennis, Do you want to become a tennis coach like your uncle?
Rafa says: I don't think so but you never know.
 
2. Why do you want to write your autobiography book and is it's timing important for you?
Rafa says: Because I felt I could say things about me that people wanted to know and thought it was a good opportunity now.

Question from Goran: Hello Rafa, since I work in school it's very important for me to motivate my school kids. I was wondering, what does motivate you more - positive feedback, like praise when you do something good, or do you respond better when you are told what you are doing wrong? Greetings from Croatia!
Rafa says: The best thing is to give example to them and work hard, teach them to enjoy what they do and to enjoy it.

Question from Catherine: When the press continues to emphasize your mental ability in regard to playing matches against Djokovic, does these make you mentally tougher, create more pressure or have little if any effect?
Rafa says: It really doesn't matter. I know how things work and I know what the situation is. I don't need to hear it from anyone except maybe from Toni.
Question from Cynthia: Hi, Rafa. I enjoyed the section of your book in which you described your passion for olives – and what you did to get your hands on them when you were a small child. Are there any types of olives which are your favorites? Are there any that you don’t like as much? Or do you love them all? :-)
Rafa says: I love olives, really. Always eat them. I love the Spanish olives, they are a bit bigger than normal. But I like the taste of them.
Question from John Kiprov: Why are you the only player out there that always mentions his own injuries? For example," A train ran over me but I managed to play a great game. A piano fell twenty stories on my head but I still managed to play a great game". Why do you do this? It seems that after every match you bring this nonsense up.
Rafa says: I don't think I talked about any injury yesterday. But what do you want me to do if I was injured, had a strain on my knee and get the question from the media? If I am not asked I don't say and if I am asked I have one thing clear: I don't lie, I never lie! Would you prefer me to lie?

Question from Harshit Nigam: With the showcase of winning last year's Davis Cup Final, had it boosted your confidence once again? Will we find our old Rafa back on business once again?
Rafa says: Yes, definitely that has been helpful. I am back but we have to see how it goes and respect every rival.

Thank you to the readers of my lucky blog
Rafael Nadal
4 hours ago

Hello everyone,
This last post might come 1) late for some and 2) as a surprise for others. The truth is that I should have sent it through yesterday but as I landed in Madrid I thought about writing it at my hotel room. But I was really tired. I couldn't sleep much in the airplane during the flight and as I landed I had a press conference and went straight to the hotel to bed ... Sorry about that. Then I went to see last night Real Madrid against Ajax and enjoyed coming down to the pitch and salute all fans.
Well, I am back at home and wanted to take the chance to thank all of you who follow this blog. I said this was my lucky blog and there you go, I managed to win the US Open.
Many thanks and hope to be back soon.
Rafa


I feel proud to win, but don't compare me to Federer
Rafael Nadal
5 hours ago

Rafael Nadal answers his final set of questions after a triumphant fortnight at Flushing Meadows.

How does it feel to become the seventh Grand Slam winner in history? Charlene

It feels great. Probably better today than two days ago since I have had the chance to think more about it. I am really happy and proud!

How did you cope with the rain delay? What did you do to pass the time? Z Young

We are used to it. I was playing well, had confidence on my game and the way I was playing so it was not as bad as initially you can think. I simply thought about mistakes and tried to improve.

Will you also have your own tournament in Spain like Novak Djokovic has in Serbia? Cedrine

I don't think so but you never know.

Will a DVD be made of your match with Roger Federer to be sold for charity? Ros W

You will have to ask Carlos about it. I am not aware of it.

Do you think you can beat Roger's total of 16 grand-slam wins? Nik

I don't think so. What Roger has done is very big and difficult to achieve.

Do you really think you will never be better than Federer? Harry G

Yes I do. But I can also say that I will try to keep improving.

Novak Djokovic said "You’re the best" after your win. What's the nicest compliment you have ever been given? Caroline D

We have a great relationship. He is really a nice guy and I thank him for his words. This is probably one of the nicest things I have ever heard, specially since it came right after the final at the press conference too.

What will you do to celebrate? Danesh

I am finally back home and will celebrate with my friends and family simply doing a normal life.

 
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.

Murray defeat was a surprise to me, but he can still win a grand-slam event
1 hour ago

Hi everyone

Clearly doing this blog brings me good luck. Here we are on the second week of the US Open. This is very important. The second week of the grand slam is that kind of strange good feeling. The players' lounge is not anymore packed and the locker room is also very quite. As I say strange feeling but good since you are at those stages where the final weekend gets closer.

Today I am hitting at noon and then take it very easy until tomorrow. Back to the hotel after practice maybe I go for lunch in the city and simply rest in my room watching a movie.

I actually found a great website where I can pay an annual fee and download (legally obviously) all the movies I want. So that is good.

And I am sure most of you want a thought from me on Andy's defeat yesterday. It was a surprise since he is one of the favourites to win here. I didn't see much of the match, only the end of it in the locker room. I am sure that he will win sooner than later a slam. He is young and very talented.

Rafa

After years of me sending Rafa technical question's I finally send him something that he answered! YaaY! I actually feel like I had a convo with him!!! And Rafaholics new author Clare got her's answered as well!


I am competitive on and off the court
25 minutes ago

If you win the US Open will you celebrate with a forward roll like you did at Wimbledon? If you do please watch your head! Clare

Hahahahaha. I don't know. I will have to think of something. But the truth is that I am only thinking about my next match.

We all know that you are very competitive on court and fight for every point, but are you like this in every day life, for example, do you always have to win a debate or argument? Sandra, Manchester

Yes, absolutely. Maybe not on arguments since I like to listen. But on games or doing things yes.

What areas of your game do you still need to improve upon? Is there any part of tennis that is difficult for you? Stormy, Minnesota

I have to improve my serve that is actually better this week and I also have to improve my backhand. Play more like in Wimbledon. Tennis is difficult also because the opponent.

During tournaments you've practised with players that are potential opponents on your side of the draw. Is that not weird for you? Atchariya

I don't have a problem with that. I just want to practice. No problem.

I was wondering what off court event have you done since you have been in NYC, any broadway shows this year? Sofie Tolia

Not yet. Not this year. Have to see if I have the chance but I think it will be difficult.

Which quality do you admire most in a person? Katharine

Honest, humble.

For the US Open, do your family and friends in Mallorca stay up all night to watch you play? When you play the night match in America, I watch but have trouble getting up for work the next morning! Daisy

I think so. My family and friends for sure. Tough if I play night matches. Thanks for watching and hope you have quick recoveries.

Which movie era is your favorite? 70's, 80's, 90's or other? Cedrine

I like every era. There are great movies always.

Roger Federer is coming to the Swedish Open this year, I was wondering will we ever see you here in Sweden again? Jasmin

I enjoyed playing in Sweden. Both BASTAD and Stockholm are great events and had a good time there. Hopefully one day.

You said you were going to the mall. Did you buy new toys like an iPad or new computer and how do you like it? Marissa

I did buy a new laptop and in Toronto the tournament gave all quarter-finalists an iPad and we are enjoying it.

My knees will need treatment after Wimbledon

Hello everyone

Running out of what to say... I suppose, I actually know, I am much better on the tennis court, with or without pain! So talking about that, I have to say I felt well yesterday. My team did a good job trying to recover me and the doctors help was also important. I know this is a momentarily situation and that I need to take that full treatment when I am done here at Wimbledon but definitely yesterday I felt much better than the previous round and I believe I also played great tennis. I suppose the fact that I didn't get to the fifth set helped my knees and helped me mentally.

Anyway, a good day of rest today, some practice now (I am actually writing at 100kph!!!) and then just rest, more rest and a bit of focus... focus on the football match this afternoon since Spain is playing against Portugal for a place in the quarterfinals. I believe on this team, and I trust we can do well. And as I said the other day I also mentioned it in my press conference yesterday when asked about the referee and the technology not used in football. I think it would be good and that each team should have 2/3 times where they can stop a match and ask for a replay.

Many thanks to all and see you tomorrow!

Rafa.

SOURCE

There were no questions again...so if he does post them...I will update this post.

No pasta for me after yesterday's long match


Hi everyone,

Sorry but last night I could not post anything since I got back to my house and we decided to go out for dinner to the city. I had not done it all week so my team was kind of tired of eating always my pasta... So we went almost straight from the end of the work with media etc to my favorite restaurant in London. You have heard many times about it, El Cambio de Tercio. I was so happy for yesterday's win that I just said, OK, let's go wherever you guys want!

So we had a great dinner last night. Now I just woke up and I am going to go and hit a bit. Not much, since yesterday's match was long and I also had the problem on my knee. I want to go and see how it feels today. I am not too worried, but it is there and I need to get the treatment once I finish this tournament. I would love to win it and then go for that treatment. We'll see.

Many thanks

Rafa



Q&A

Questions for Rafa: is Uncle Toni always strict?


Dear Rafa, congrats to your tough win against Haase. But I wasn't too nervous during the match, as I knew you were going to win! I saw the video on your site taken when your little cousins were visiting you. They're cute! But I wonder if Uncle Toni is as strict to your cousins as he was with you? You seemed to be the disciplinarian there  I look forward to seeing a whole week of Rafa tennis at Wimbledon next week! Hugs, Natalie


RN: Many thanks. My uncle was kind of tough with me but on the sports education. He is tough, or shall I say strict with his sons but a bit less with his daughter...


Rafa, Do you athletes at Wimbledon act or talk more patriotically than usual because the World Cup is going on? Chris
RN: Some do, but not that much. It is normal. The World Cup is something great and you really support your country so it is kind of... I don't know.


Hola Rafa! Have you thought about joining Twitter as another method of connecting with your fans? Kim, London
RN: No, for the moment I have a lot to do with my Facebook page. Not really interested in Twitter for the moment.


Hi Rafa, Unlike the big server from my country you met in the 2nd round, my serve is the worst part of my play. I know you have been working on your serve a lot, and it has paid off! Can you give me any tips on how to work to improve my own serve? Myra, The Netherlands
RN: Hhahahahahahaha. I haven't seen you so you need to check wit your coach!


Hi Rafa, Thanks for taking the time to do this blog; you are a great champion and role model. Your fans really appreciate it and love to hear about the "real life" during competitions. I am a Mum with two lovely sons. Mums keep all sorts of memorable stuff - school certificates, pictures etc. I am running out of space and they haven't reached 18 yet! You are an outstanding and popular tennis player that the media loves to follow so there are so many pictures and articles about you. Your Mum must want to keep some of those memories. How does she decide what to keep? Does she have help with this task? Where does she keep it all? Hoping to see you bite that trophy at Wimbledon. Debra John, Kent
RN: She keeps a lot of stuff but not everything. I do keep everything that I play with, I mean at least one model. Shoes, shirts, racquets... One day I will have them all exposed.