Ask Rafa! Rafa blog back for AO '10

joeri888

G.O.A.T.
I hope Rafa doesn't win, so I don't mind him blogging, twittering, facebooking, msning, chatting, webcamsexing, tt-tennis-warehousing, all day long. Hope he tells something exciting.
 

malakas

Banned
I hope Rafa doesn't win, so I don't mind him blogging, twittering, facebooking, msning, chatting, webcamsexing, tt-tennis-warehousing, all day long. Hope he tells something exciting.

keep hoping.I also dont' mind Rafa wasting his time surfing,same as I love Murray playing videogames 6 hours a day.:mrgreen: :D
 

Vyse

Semi-Pro
His blogs are the heigth of awesome. Maybe not, but I do enjoy reading them. I find them entertaining plus, theres a possibility he will answer my question.
 

sjam316

Rookie
The author of that article has no confidence in Rafa. "He’ll answer questions from our readers from the start of the Australian Open until he gets knocked out." Sounds like this guy is 100% certain that Nadal will not win this year
 
Nadal won't be writing his blogs. He'll have people doing that for him, I imagine random snippets of broken english and "no?" 's littered throughout the blog to provide the illusion of Nadal deciding the engage with fans on the internet. just like how Rog probably has people maintaining his facebook.
 

Halba

Hall of Fame
The author of that article has no confidence in Rafa. "He’ll answer questions from our readers from the start of the Australian Open until he gets knocked out." Sounds like this guy is 100% certain that Nadal will not win this year

del potro has him 100% in the semi, del po is the finalist

del po davy final

davy winner
 
N

nikdom

Guest
Does uncle Toni tell him what to write? I bet he has Nadal wipe the keyboard once he's done typing.
 

LiveForever

Banned
:shock: :x
No offense, Dimension but Rafas blogs are really dull IMO. He tells you what he had for his 3 meals of the day, what time he went to practice, and that he is excited for his next match. Nothing juicy and interesting. Blogging duties should be permanently given to Tursnov or Safin (he retired though). Those russians are hilarious. :lol:
 

babbette

Legend
it can get boring because he refuses to give any juicy details. His blogs are strictly schedule for the day, what he ate and his thoughts about his match. Ocassionaly he adds other bits and bobs.
And for those wondering about if he writes-he writes/dictates in Spanish and his people translate.


Now how the heck do you send questions? There's no email anywhere!:confused:
 

Dimension

Professional
No offense, Dimension but Rafas blogs are really dull IMO. He tells you what he had for his 3 meals of the day, what time he went to practice, and that he is excited for his next match. Nothing juicy and interesting. Blogging duties should be permanently given to Tursnov or Safin (he retired though). Those russians are hilarious. :lol:

Guess the champion doesn't necessary have a humourous blogging style? Aww....

I don't mind though. :)
 

LiveForever

Banned
Guess the champion doesn't necessary have a humourous blogging style? Aww....

I don't mind though. :)
Dont get me wrong, man. I still respect Rafa very much. Just so you know, Federer blogged from tokyo back in 2006 and I didnt think they were interesting at all aside from the few anecdotes he included about winning a bet against Henman. :D
 

Dimension

Professional
Dont get me wrong, man. I still respect Rafa very much. Just so you know, Federer blogged from tokyo back in 2006 and I didnt think they were interesting at all aside from the few anecdotes he included about winning a bet against Henman. :D

It's all good bro. :)
 

CMM

Legend
HELLO everyone! I'm back in Australia, back at the Oz Open and I have to say the tournament could have not started better.

We know the main draw is only starting tomorrow - by the way I am playing at 7pm local time - but to me the main draw started with the Hit for Haiti.

How did that happen? I was in the Player's Restaurant yesterday morning and received a text message from
Roger. I thought it was a great idea from Roger and replied saying count me in and thanks!

So today we have played something that I think was really nice. The goal to raise money, the court completely full, some great players there trying to entertain everyone, with microphones while playing, playing around mixed with women, Jim Courier up there as a chair umpire.

Lots of joking around and, most importantly, lots of money raised for the cause in Haiti!. I think it was fantastic and I have to say I had a great time.

Believe me also that I didn't understand all the words and jokes ... you know ... my English is not that good, so I have to say I struggled a lot of the times to understand.

Like when Roger was tossing the racquet and Jim asked me: `Rafa up or down?` and I understood Rafa up and down and started jumping! :)

Not easy, believe me. But again, the whole thing was for a good cause and I am thankful to Roger for thinking about me and thank everyone who came or saw it on TV.

Mostly thanks to all those who contributed and so I also encourage all of you to contribute.

So, thanks again this year for being there. I will be posting every day until the end of 'my' tournament. I hope I can get a lot of posts in...

Tomorrow I'll talk more about the tournament, how I got here, when, and how's everything for me. Today it was the day for Haiti!

Thanks. Rafa



Q: RAFA, How many kilometres or miles do you think you travel throughout the year? Do you keep track?

Sia, Canada


RAFA: This is a very good question. I actually will count them this year since I haven't done it before. I do know we travel a lot around the world a couple of times!

HI, Rafa, from Spain I'm sending you my best wishes for this AO.

Next days I'm not going to sleep if it's necessary for to watch your matches. What do you think about your draw's side? Good look!

Rosi Carrasco, Madrid


Many thanks. At least tomorrow you will be able to see the match at 9am since I am playing 7pm here. My side of the draw is difficult - as it is the other one.

RAFA, you recently played tennis on a magic carpet with Federer in Abu Dhabi. How was that experience?

Also, if you could own a magic carpet and fly anywhere in the universe, where would you go and who would you take?

I would love to fly to the top of a rainbow and I would take my family and you and your family along with me!

Vamos Rafa at the Australian Open! You can do it!

Z Young of Saudi Arabia


ACTUALLY, it was in Doha. It was fun and knowing it was only a promotional thing we knew we didn't have to run much.

I would take that carpet to the Balearic Islands in Spain.

BAD luck in Doha against Davydenko but I thought you played very well throughout the tournament.
What parts of Davydenko's game do you find the most difficult to deal with?

Alex Logan. Los Angeles


HE is a very solid and consistent player. Difficult to find a spot to attack him and he is someone who counter attacks very well. A very difficult player and very experienced.

WHAT/who inspires you the most to continue playing so well even when times get tough?

Jack Tu, Glen Waverley


I LOVE the competition, I love the sport and I love to play tennis. This is the main thing.

I AM a huge Federer fan and would like to ask, how do you feel on the court when you play him? And how is playing Fed different to playing other tennis players?

Danielle, Melbourne


WHEN I am on the court I am OK. I know I have in front of me one of the best, if not the best player ever, and it is something special always.

He is a great champion and a great guy too. The matches with him have something special also because they are normally finals.

I ADMIRE your style of tennis and also your personality. Many fans and audience enjoy watching you and even critics appreciate your contribution to the world of tennis.

I just can see you volunteering in person or participating in disaster relief works such as in Haiti? Would you do it if you have the opportunity or would you prefer a different kind of charity work?

Aliah Kassim, Malaysia


THANKS a lot. We did something nice and at the same time fun for everyone. IT was Roger's idea and I thought it was great. Let's hope we were able to collect a lot of money to help the people there.

EVERYONE has a guilty pleasure. Can you tell us yours? (music, food, TV shows, etc).

Meriko, Washington DC


I HAVE many but I can say i burn the calories afterwards. I like chocolate, sometimes junk food.

WOULD you like to be a tennis coach or a life coach or even do TV programmes to teach a wider audience when you stop playing?

Juliette Westbrook-Finch, UK


I don't really know. For sure tennis is my world and I will do something related to it. But i guess I am too young still to know what I will enjoy doing in the future.

HI Rafa. It's great to see you back playing well and congratulations on your results so far this season!

My question is, depending on the surface, roughly, how many pairs of trainers do you get through in a grand slam? Especially as you cover a lot of ground during a match! Good luck for this year!

Amelia Hurrell, UK


During a Grand Slam on hard court around seven or eight pairs.

IF you had to choose, do you prefer to win at Roland Garros or Wimbledon?

Anyway, I wish you to win both and hope to see you in Paris!

Pauline, France


I would be happy with either one, but i have to admit that Wimbledon was something special.

HI Rafa. How do you estimate your chance in Australian Open.

Vard Grig, Russia


I have a chance but so do other seven or eight other players, if not more.

IF you were given the choice to win one of the Grand Slams in 2010, which one would you pick?

Myra, Netherlands


Any of them. Believe me. It is the truth.

RAFA, watching you playing this year it is clear that physically you are as strong as you could possibly be, but are you equally strong mentally? Good luck in Australia!

Luis Muniz, Spain.


I think i am in good shape so hopefully things will be good.

WHERE is your favorite city to play?

Lorena, Miami


Paris is a place I always enjoyed very much, because of the city. It is something special.

WHAT Do you feel like you must do in order to successfully defend your Oz Open title?

Haley Dickey, Tennessee


There are a lot of different things that have to come together. one of them is to play well and have my confidence back.

RAFA, you really are the nicest guy in the universe! Is there anything that makes you really mad? What is it? Please tell us!

Mary Robinson, Cincinnati.


Many thanks. I am sure I am not. There are a lot of things that get me upset and mad.

RAFA, the style of game you play is very physically demanding on your body.

Do you think you will have to make a couple of adjustments to your game to ensure your longevity on the tour?

Pippen, Melbourne.


I try, believe me.

RAFA, As a fan I always enjoy your comeback from saving match points!

What do you usually tell yourself when facing a match point? How do you handle the pressure?

Anderson Chan, Hong Kong


That is something you work since you are a kid. I always give 100 per cent every point and a match point is also a point so that's the secret.

RAFA, in a recent interview Federer said he sleeps for 11-12 hours a day. How many hours a day do you sleep?

Good luck in your first round match against Luczak!

Zay Young, Saudi Arabia.


I sleep eight or nine.

AS your popularity and experience on the tour has grown, your obligations have increased - promotions, sponsors, being on the ATP Players' council, etc. Is it sometimes difficult to enjoy the game when you are so busy with the business side of the things?

Beth Miri


Yes. I know it is a lot of work but I also feel the responsibility to do this. It is part of a great job called: Tennis player.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/rafa-nadal-answers-questions-from-his-fans/story-e6frf9if-1225820669193
 

malakas

Banned
thanx for posting!:D


but oh heck,how can Rafa answer all these questions,and actually say NOTHING?:confused: He should become a politician.
 

TheMusicLover

G.O.A.T.
Very nice to read, thanks for posting!
And how lovely of him to once again emphasis that that Haiti exho was indeed Roger's idea, especially as I've seen some turds suggesting it was all a marketing/management plan. I rather take Rafa's word on this than on any of those 'fans'. ;)
 

babbette

Legend
Rafa it's so long!:shock:

"Believe me also that I didn't understand all the words and jokes ... you know ... my English is not that good, so I have to say I struggled a lot of the times to understand."

I have to admit it was a bit uncomfortable at times watching the exhibition when he was on because he didn't understand much. I know when he's home he prefers to fish, hang out with friends and all that but comeon, surely he can dedicate some time for an Englsih teacher. The Connors interview was uncomfortable to watch too. His English almost seemed worst than last year there. Make more of an effort Rafa. 8)
 

babbette

Legend
he' usually more detailed in his Spanish blogs obviously.

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeport...erto_australia/2010/consultorio/jornada1.html
Translated

I'm not worried about losing number 2 spot

What have you done since playing Davis Cup against the Czech Republic, specifically in physical and technical parts? How many hours did you train?

At the end of Davis Cup tie we, the went to Madrid to greet the various institutions, I had a free morning the next day and immediately after started training to prepare for the preseason. It was a rather short preseason due to this end and therefore quite intense. Usually in preseason training I focus more on physical aspect only this time we also wanted to work on tennis to correct certain defects which had acquired my game due to a lack of confidence by not having played during the time I was injured. In particular play with a little more aggressiveness. At the end was 6 / 7 working hours per day.

Did you follow a specific plan to adapt the weather conditions in Melbourne?

Yes, I was playing two weeks before coming to Melbourne in Abu Dhabi and Doha to play on the same surface and with temperatures that could resemble those of Melbourne. The truth is that when I arrived on Monday night there had been 44 degrees temperature and however much you train, these temperatures are unbearable.

Murray, Del Potro, what do you think of your draw?

I always look at every match, not much at the draw. Many things can happen and I'm only concerned about each round. If it is not nonsense. You have to watch every match because each one is difficult. If it weren't Murray and Del Potro it would be others like Tsonga or Djokovic or Davydenko o. .. All good here!

Somehow, does this season marks a new period in you career, a stage where we will see the beginning of your maturity as a tennis player and as a person?

No, I don't think so. This is a new season, a season that will surely be very difficult, as were all previous in which I was on the highest level. Tennis is a sport where you play hard almost every week. Maybe from the outside everything seemed easier but it was always very difficult to be there.


Are you worried about losing the world number 2 spot?

Not at all. To me what really worries me is being well and playing well. If I know I gave everything and I played well but still I lose the number two it won't hurt. This is just a sport and you have to accept with serenity both victories as losses.


'When I hit several setbacks I became an ordinary player,' he said in the final of the Davis. What Nadal will we see this year. What will you add to your habitual tennis profile? ?

The phrase was not exactly that. When setbacks hit badly, and I was referring to the first set against Berdych, then I was an ordinary player. But that phrase is taken out of context, as often happens in life. I know I have to improve many aspects of my game because if you stand still and do not progress, bad. I do not know how I will be this year. I hope to be fine and in fact I'm playing well, but again, if you lose it's no tragedy. And if you win is not to go crazy.

Despite playing a great first set against Davydenko and a very good match, you lost. "He still has the confidence that comes from winning titles? Is that now the only problem?

Yes, it is clear that this bit of confidence must be taken in those matches and would have been better to win than to lose. I expect that gradually I will fully regain the confidence and titles. It clear that they come with working and playing well

What would be satisfying at the end of the season, both in terms of titles and progression in your game?

I do not know at this point. As I say, I want to have the good feeling on the court that allows me to win trophies. The rest is less important.
 
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veroniquem

Bionic Poster
thanx for posting!:D


but oh heck,how can Rafa answer all these questions,and actually say NOTHING?:confused: He should become a politician.
Well, there are many mysteries in the universe, like how malakas bashes Nadal in every single post and never gets tired of it.
I'm also struggling to understand how saying Paris is one's favorite city (as opposed to Miami or Berlin) and one sleeps 8/9 hours a night (as opposed to 6 or 10) "mean" nothing. It means what it says. What else?
 

veroniquem

Bionic Poster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC267bmcdTg

Jim asks Rafa, why he is backing up from him during the interview.

Courier seems to be one of these guys who gets too close to you when he talks, I don't blame Rafa for backing up from him.
Yes, that question was peculiar, it was funny to see Rafa completely puzzled by it (justifyably so!). He was actually very close to Courier when Courier said that and I was like: how much closer can he get without bumping into him? :shock::lol:
 

malakas

Banned
Well, there are many mysteries in the universe, like how malakas bashes Nadal in every single post and never gets tired of it.
I'm also struggling to understand how saying Paris is one's favorite city (as opposed to Miami or Berlin) and one sleeps 8/9 hours a night (as opposed to 6 or 10) "mean" nothing. It means what it says. What else?

wow if you find my post behaviour one of the mysteries in the universe..you must have a lot of questions about this world!!:shock:

Oh yes,2 answers in like how many questions?20?!exactly.
 

mandy01

G.O.A.T.
Well, there are many mysteries in the universe, like how malakas bashes Nadal in every single post and never gets tired of it.
I'm also struggling to understand how saying Paris is one's favorite city (as opposed to Miami or Berlin) and one sleeps 8/9 hours a night (as opposed to 6 or 10) "mean" nothing. It means what it says. What else?
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL ...Look who's talking :lol:
 

CMM

Legend
Rafael Nadal turns Japanese

WEDNESDAY, January 20:
Hi everyone. A shorter blog today since I am a bit tired and I really want to get some rest

Just came back from dinner with my team. It was my fathers onomastic so he paid the dinner.

We went to a Japanese restaurant here in Melbourne. We thought we were going to a normal Japanese restaurant, you know, sushi, salmon with teriyaki sauce, warm edamame.

We got to this restaurant where, basically, you have to cook your own things at the table. I mean, the quality of the food was great but i was actually expecting something different, so ... not that good.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

Then we walked back to the hotel and, as I say, now planning to go to bed.

Today, as every match day, I wanted to get to the site early. Sometimes people close to me say, why do you go so early?

I was picked up at the hotel at 9.15 and was already hitting at 10.30. I like to be ready, take things easy and prefer to sit and wait in the locker room rather than rushing to get things done and maybe getting there late.

So even I knew there were two matches before mine, the first one starting at 11am, I prefer to get early to the tournament.

Tomorrow more. Thanks for understanding.



Q: Rafa, How many more years can you see yourself playing tennis at the level you are playing now? It must be physically taxing on your entire body! Keep it up Rafa.
Joel Teague, Melbourne

RAFA:
Tough to know but I am only 23 and still enjoying my time here. Please don't retire me too soon ...

RAFA, Do you think Spain will have a chance to lift the FIFA World Cup this time around?
Ivy, Malaysia


I think they have a good chance this year. We actually discussed this tonight at dinner.

HI Rafa, first of all I just want to say I'm a huge fan and love watching you play. I want to know why you don't wear singlet tops anymore when you play.
Bianca, Melbourne


I wanted a change and feel great with this.

HEY Rafa, I could use some new towels and those official Australian Open ones look nice. Could you steal one for me, please?
Beth, Melbourne


Hahahahaha. I already have a lot of friends asking for them. And I don't steal them ... they give them to us.

RAFA, Do you or your family save the magazines you are in and create an album of all of your great memories? Nader, USA

Not at all.

RAFA, How many tennis balls do you think you have signed in your career?
Dustin, USA


I have no idea but I try to sign as many as I can anD I would love to have them all signed!

RAFA, I think your English is fantastic and you look fabulous in your new clothing line. What did you think of Roger Federer making the grunting sounds and imitating you when you played with him in Hit for Haiti?
Consuela, USA


Many thanks. Still a long way to go with my English. I think Roger was funny doing that and we had a lot of fun.

RAFA, I'm a big fans of yours, you are a very inspirational person. I was wondering, do you have any input into the clothes you wear at each tournament because they are very creative and colourful. Do you help design them?
Lazaria Delomne, New Zealand


Yes I do have an input. It is not me designing them. Clearly. I like the colours, it is like Mallorca.

RAFA, What do you miss most about Mallorca when you're travelling around the world?
Ange, Melbourne


The food, the people, my home ...
 

mandy01

G.O.A.T.
Ok...Roger wasnt imitating Nadal.:lol:
LOL @ *******s :lol:
Roger DOES grunt for fun during practice sessions and he was 'grunting' during the rally for relief against Agassi as well.
Its one of those things he does when he wants to have fun.
 

CCNM

Hall of Fame
Don't know why Rafa feels he has to explain everything he does in his blogs, but it's fun to read....
 

CMM

Legend
That i call flattering! They are worse than that, its as if R-2 D-2 wrote it.

I'm glad you like it. Here's more:

Rafael Nadal: The day I beat Moya at soccer
THURSDAY, January 21:

Hello everyone. The highlight of my day today? Me and Juan Monaco defeating Moya and Marc Lopez playing soccer at the PlayStation!
I know it sounds bad saying this for many reasons ... because tennis is why we are here and that is the priority, because it is not nice to promote your own victories, because Moya is older than me and ... but it was such an important match, so much tension in it and everything that I had to mention it!
Moya is known for being the best but Monaco and I are a magic team! We even had spectators in my room: Carlos Costa, my father, Rafa Maymo, Benito, Tuts ... they had to go down to the lobby and "pay" by doing push ups! Too funny!
For the rest, a good day with a nice practice with Marc Lopez in the morning. Had lunch at the tournament site and then back to the hotel.
Not much to tell today. Still excited about the PlayStation match and, seriously now, thinking a lot about tomorrow's match.
Hope it goes well!.


Q: RAFE, Who is your favourite soccer player?
Lavia, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Right now, mainly the ones in the Spanish national team, specially Casillas, Xavi and Iniesta. I also like players like Kaka or Cristiano Ronaldo

HOLA Rafael, I think you are an amazing player and hope to see you live in action one day. My question is, do you ever get a cold or flu and feel like not practising or playing a match? And you are constantly following the summer/hot weather too. Do you miss winter?
Heather, Sydney


I try to stay healthy and avoid colds and flu, especially since we cannot take anything in case we get it. I don't really miss the winter!

RAFA, You're a great man, on and off the court; thanks for the inspiration. My question: What would you most like to change about yourself?
Emma, London


Many thanks. I feel I am a very lucky person so I should not be thinking about changing many things.

RAFA, Is there is ever a time when you are on court that you feel like you want to be somewhere else?
Scott, Melbourne


Sometimes I want to be on the previous point that I won. I like to compete so I have to say I enjoy playing, win or lose (better to win obviously)

RAFA, IT was funny when the lady in the crowd asked you to marry her. I saw it on TV and loved your reaction, you couldn't help smiling! How do you feel knowing that so many ladies of all ages would love to marry you? Your girlfriend is very lucky!
Juliette, UK


Hahahahahahahaa. I can only laugh. It was very kind. I suppose we would need to know each other more to go that much further, right?

HOLA Rafa, You've often said that after retirement you want to lay low for a while, buy yourself a boat, take your time and go fishing and play golf. But I've always wondered, since you make for SUCH a great model, if you'd ever consider taking up modelling, maybe as a part-time thing, after retirement. It would be an absolute treat for us fans!
Mohona


NOPE, never. Not me, that's for sure...

HI Rafa,
My name is Marina. I am Serbian but I live in California. I met you in Indian Wells last year. You are amazing. I love your game and your charisma. I will be in Indian Wells again. I hope I see you. My question for you is, will you attend Serbia Open this year? Much love from your biggest fan.
Marina, California


HI Marina. Unfortunately I won't be able to since my calendar is really full and I can't play every week. Imagine, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, Belgrade and Madrid all back to back ... too much indeed.

HI Rafa, Ever since youve come on the ATP World Tour you have had long hair. It is your trademark, but I would you would ever consider cutting your hair short?
Deidre, Sydney


It is much shorter now!

HOLA Rafa!
I know you like sweet things, but what is you favourite type of chocolate? Milk, white or dark?
Kim, London


Milk.

RAFA, What do you do with the gifts from fans? Do you have a favorite gift from a fan?
Daphnee, UK


IT depends what they are. I actually eat the chocolates.

HI Rafa, I'm so happy to see you in Australia. I am a fan on your Facebook page. I really enjoy reading your status updates to see where you are and what you're doing. also enjoy seeing your photos. Do you update your own Facebook page?
Bianca, Sydney


YES I do. I do get some help on the translations from my PR guy who makes sure that my English is decent (like here). But I like to do it myself.

Most of the times I do it alone and get the translations by blackberry messenger from Benito.

RAFA, I am a huge fan of yours and my cubicle at work has your 2010 calendar and many colour photos on the wall. My co-workers tell me my cubicle looks like NBC sportcentre. They ask me why the love for Rafa and I tell them he is an inspiration to all and always fights until the end with lots of passion. Keep up the great work Rafa, you are one of a kind.
Geri Fisher, Bradenton, Florida.


Many thanks!!!! Keep it up!
 
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