Comments on: IB3’s coverage of the Paris draw

By: mary

mary — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:34:20 +0000

Hi Rafafan. miri is correct when she said maybe it is a cultural thing. No dismissive or malice thought was intended. We aussies sometimes say things abruptly even though it is said in a loving way. Sorry if that doesn’t make any sense. We’re unique!!!
Rafa has faced a semi hostile crowd before, so he needs to stay focused on the task at hand. I agree with you that support from the crowd can be very uplifting. Rafa is savvy, wise & a little older & he will be mentally prepared for the possibility of a sour crowd (god knows why as I don’t,whats not to love about hime).
I think Rafa secretly wants to win every match. He doesn’t play to lose but accepts his losses when they occur as a learning curve. So I believe he will be giving his all. Taking on doubles indicates his eagerness for more match play. Maybe he needs the extra practice for the Davis cup. So mi amigo, de nada y Vamos Rafa!

By: Rafafan

Rafafan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:04:34 +0000

Er.. did you see the match in Basal. Fed was all over the place with his forehand. It had completely gone. It was like the time in Miami when the Fed smashed his racket coz he was playing poorly. So really for dramatic, close contents this was a no go and not to be compared to.

Get what you mean folks – I shouldn’t worry about the crowd so much – but then again how many times have we heard that “the crowd” pulls you through – it’s like an extra point! Looking forward to the tourney very much

By: dutchgirl

dutchgirl — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:02:24 +0000

I have this feeling that Rafa is totally relaxed for the rest of the season. In his interview it seemed that he’s aiming for next year. The most important thing for him is the Davis Cup, so any good results in Paris will be a bonus for him, I think.
If my thoughts are correct, he will play with confidence and *colm*, so I can’t wait to see what will happen.
Vamos Rafa!!

By: miri

miri — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:08:21 +0000

To me, that phrase is always dismissive – as in, “calm down you over-dramatic fool”. I’ve never heard someone use it in a positive way. Perhaps it’s a cultural thing.

By: mary

mary — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:52:00 +0000

“Oh lighten up”
Hey I didn’t do it in capitals & it is not an attack, it’s meant to let Rafafan chill out & not get herself uptight & upset. Thats it!!!!!

By: mary

mary — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:46:46 +0000

Oh my sentiments exactly. Nole you did well!!!!!!!!! Rafa you’ll do better. :)

By: Ch F

Ch F — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:54:12 +0000

Of course he can, Rafa can do anything if he can reach deep inside him and remember what he’s made of. It seems Djoko is in killer form and very very confident. He’s one of the men to beat at the moment, and the fact that he turned his semi-final match around like that by saving three match points and then won a final against Federer will only boost his confidence more…Rafa, you will be made to work hard! Give it your best this time!!!

By: miri

miri — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:42:46 +0000

Oh lighten up.

Let’s not tell people how to feel. Your post would have gotten its point apart perfectly well with out that first sentence.

For me, I can say: Dealing with the crowd is part of Rafa’s job. If he lets them to get him, it’s his fault.

By: xta

xta — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:17:12 +0000

if the djoker can beat federer in basel, then surely rafa can beat a frenchman in bercy !!!

By: CC

CC — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:09:52 +0000

Yeah, I don’t think Rafa gives a toss about it. Well, I don’t, anyway!