Double Happiness For Nadal At Beijing Roger Is Still The Best
Today ATP announced that Nadal became the new World No. 1, bringing to an end of Federer’s era since February 2004. Today is the first day Nadal has the Olympic gold medal and he already caused 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games gold medalist, Andre Agassi, to exclaim in surprise when that year the American player achieved nothing but only the Olympic gold medal while Nadal has fought for 7 titles and managed to be at the top at the Olympic.
However, Nadal doesn’t have the luxury to enjoy the glory, no chance to tour the legendary sea (Hou Hai) he heard from his compatriots, no time to play cards with Gasol again at the Olympic Village. Today he will depart for America, back to ATP. So yesterday was very precious, he even attended the Spain's celebration party at Beijing Centre after his match, and of course did an exclusive interview with Marca and Titan.
Titan: We don’t understand, you are already ATP No. 1, why don’t you take a special “No. 1” photo? Then isn't our placard “No. 1” (ie. In English and Mandarin) prepared in vain?
Nadal: Very sorry, I don’t wish to have a photo holding up this type of placard because it is not the 18th yet. Beside, I only wish to play good tennis, try to have more victories. The world no. 1 ranking is not very special to me, it doesn’t change my tennis career. Ferrero and Moya were former No. 1 before me, now there are a lot of younger tennis players out there. I know a lot of people care about who is world no. 1 but I don’t.
Titan: Doesn’t it excite you when you wake on the 18th, switched on the pc and see your name before Federer?
Nadal: Nothing exciting, firstly I know it before coming to Beijing, everybody knows. Secondly, it’s only temporary. To me, he is still the best. Federer’s recent performance did surprise me, maybe it’s because he lost his confidence due to recent losses. However, Federer’s exquisite technique is still there, he will certainly find back his fighting spirit.
Titan: Nadal is also not concerned about the Olympic gold medal?
Nadal: This is a different matter, there will be changes in the ranking, one doesn’t always stay No. 1 but the Olympic gold medal will belong to me forever, I will cherish this piece of gold medal from Beijing.
Titan: Upon your arrival at Beijing, you don’t look as friendly as today, some media even said that you were being difficult?
Nadal: I’m really very sorry, I was too tired, 9 matches in 15 days, time difference of 12 hours, played first match to the final in the first week of Olympic, I’m going crazy. But finally I survived, everything is like a dream. Maybe during this busy and tired period, I couldn’t oblige with the media especially the Chinese media requests, I can only ask for forgiveness. Tomorrow I will be flying to USA for my next tournament’s preparation, time difference of 12 hours, it’s really not easy to play tennis.
Titan: Gonzalez won a gold and bronze at the Athens Olympic, a straight set defeat today, has the Nadal era arrived?
Nadal: Don’t say that, Gonzalez has outstanding skills, very good serves, I’m very lucky this year, I hope the luck will still stay with me.
Titan: Grand Slam, Olympic gold medal, ATP no. 1, what else does Nadal need?
Nadal: Improving technique, to win more titles. And try to have a normal life.
Titan: You seldom venture out of the Olympic Village?
Nadal: I think that the Beijing Olympic Village is specially comfortable, I need to adjust to the time difference, to recover physically and the Olympic Village provided me everything. I have been to the Athens Village, even though the time was short but I know the basic function of an Olympic Village. Beijing Olympic Village surprised me, there’s everything inside. To be able to live with so many compatriots, I don’t feel lonely at all, especially Spain’s national basketball team made me forget homesickness. The truth is, I have been away from home far too long during this period.
Titan: One can imagine, even at the Village, Nadal can’t escape photo and autograph requests?
Nadal: Yes, everyday is the same but I’m used to it and willing to accede to the requests. Many staff attended to us in the heat, you can’t decline their requests.
Titan: What’s your favourite place at the Beijing Olympic Village?
Nadal: The field in front of my apartment, there’s wireless internet connection, even though the grass is different from Wimbledon but it’s still very soft. I often pulled up a towel and lie down to surf the net.
Titan: Any special memories at the Village?
Nadal: Of course, many approached me including one superstar. That day I was having my breakfast when my compatriot told me that Michael Phelps was having breakfast behind us. I know he is the most outstanding superstar at this Olympic. I didn’t expect him to approach me after his meal. I was very touched and being a avid swimmer, I requested for a photo to be taken together. But both of us didn’t have camera, so we used Emilio’s mobile, but it was not well taken. However, I hope Emilio can forward to me after I arrived at USA, as I met the Olympic hero at Beijing Olympic Village.
Titan: Did you hear the Chinese fans’ support on court?
Nadal: This is the most sentimental place for me at the Olympic, I remembered there’s always 2 little girls whom will always shout “Nadal, Vamos, Nadal, Vamos” during my matches, I tried to chat with them in the end but found out that they don’t understand Spanish, they learnt it just to support me.
Titan: Did you thought of them when you won the gold medal?
Nadal: Yes, I won this gold medal for Spain but also for the Chinese fans.
Titan: Do you follow WTA?
Nadal: I’m getting more and more surprised that a number of Chinese female players advanced to the later stages, I think China’s tennis will soon improve, there’s sufficient fans here.
Titan: You are leaving soon, any last words for the fans, for Beijing?
Nadal: I know why Novak Djokovic cried after his loss to me, as an outstanding tennis player, he has a lot of chances to win Grand Slams but it not easy to win the Olympic held once every 4 years. So I have to thank Beijing for bringing me good luck and the Olympic Village for providing me everything which aided me in winning the title. To play for the national team and country has been my motivation since young and I want to thank Beijing for fulfilling my childhood dream. I also want to congratulate the success of Beijing Olympic, congratulate China’s athletes for their outstanding accomplishments. Good bye, Beijing!
......................................
