In a few days to start defending his title at Roland Garros, meeting with world number one, dominated yesterday by Novak Djokovic in Rome.
Mid-April in Monte Carlo. World number one confides at length in a country club lounge. The Spaniard talks about his career, his values, his future academy. Beaten again by Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in the final in Rome, Nadal once will not hurt, not necessarily go away favorite at Roland Garros, "his" tournament, which begins Sunday. Send champion.
LE FIGARO. - On clay, you have no right to lose. How do you live?
I do not feel that way. I've lost and I've been close to defeat on several other occasions. What happened to me last year on clay, it was really a dream. I do not feel unbeatable on this surface and I would hate that people think that I think invincible.
At the time of its domination, Federer admitted to having created a monster because the public expected him to win all the time. Is this like for you?
I do not consider that I should win everything. Win or lose, it's part of the game What do people think hardly affects me. The only thing that affects me is the pressure that I put myself, my motivation to win. I know that whenever I play a game, I can lose. It is easier to deal with the competition if accepted.
You are close to Roger Federer, and your relationship does not seem as warm with Novak Djokovic ...
It is impossible to have the same relationship with two different people. With Roger, we have exceptional ties. We had many very important moments, big finals and we are 100% on the same wavelength. We also spend a lot of time together between charity events, promotions, exhibitions, and also the board of ATP. Djokovic is my generation and my relations with him are bound to differ ...
His recent breakthrough has changed the way you behave towards each other?
Even if I was number ten and his number two, it would not change anything. A relationship is not just a number. In my case, what happens on the court does not affect what happens outside. I get along with Federer, with "Nola," with Murray. What is important is that the players keep in mind that tennis is just a game, there is no tension between us. So that we are an example for children.
Several years ago, Alex Corretja praised the maturity of your philosophy of life. Can you tell us more?
I try to live day by day, enjoy the day with my friends when I'm in Majorca. Obviously, if I play a tournament the following week, I train and I have a knot in his stomach ... The important thing is health, because without it nothing can be done. But then, it is important to be happy. For when it does, we play better tennis. If we think only of tennis, a few years, you go crazy and you end up hating the game ... When I'm in tournaments, once the match is over, if I play well, I don ' not like too think again. I do not look at the next game until the next morning. My philosophy is to enjoy the moment because we do not know what will happen tomorrow. The greatest satisfaction is obviously the result of my work, because all my life I fought to be where I am today. Have successfully allows me to do lots of things ... when I have time!
The responsibilities of the world's number one they nibble your serenity?
No, but sometimes I have less time to enjoy life. I bonds. As I understand it. Tennis gave me a lot, I must give something in return ...
The pressure is unbearable when she is preparing to defend a title already won five times?
There will always be pressure at Roland Garros. This explains why this is not necessarily the tournament on earth where I play best, especially early in the fortnight. I am nervous when he arrived. And supernerveux before playing my first game. (Smile.) But over the years, I benefited from my experience.
What are your memories of Roland Garros?
Much, because I've played some of the most important matches of my career ... Roland Garros was the tournament that I watched on TV when I was little. Y play for the first time has been incredible. Now that I've won several times, it became in my mind where it all began.
What was the hardest game you've ever won in Paris?
There are several. My first final against Mariano Puerta in 2005 because he had a ball fourth set. Then the 2006 final against Federer. That same year I also remember a particularly difficult game, especially physically, against Paul-Henri Mathieu.
Your concerns in 2009 with the public they are forgotten?
I never said I had a problem with the public! I said that I respected his choice, he had the right to support who he wants. But it was hard for me in Paris, the city that I prefer the world, the tournament is for me the most important to note that the public was not behind me. But at other times, I was tremendously supported. Like last year, for example ...
Tell us about the academy you are going to open in Manacor ...
I am 100% involved. I lead myself and my team will work. We want the academy to become a reference in Spain. There will be lots of short, hard, clay, covered ... but also a pool and a gym. Children would be enrolled on the spot because education is sometimes more important than sport. There will also football and basketball, because I believe that children should enjoy life and not think about tennis all the time.
Maria Sharapova won the women's final Sunday of the tournament in Rome. The Russian broke Stosur of Australia in straight sets (6-2, 6-4).