WTF? Final blog and Q&A
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Rafa’s final blog and Q&A are up. First the blog.
Hello and goodbye to everyone.
It looks like the blog I have been doing here didn’t bring me the luck as in previous ones … I am already heading today back home and I thought I needed to write this before I leave London.
I have been treated unbelievable well by everyone. By you the fans, by the ATP, the tournament organizers, the hotel people. Everything here has been great except for my performance, for my matches. I tried but didn’t find my game so I am going back home sad with not having played well but calm since I know I tried. I need to keep on working.
When I said at the press conference that I need to reset, I mean that I need to first play the Davis Cup final next week and then resume immediately practice and start thinking on what I have to do to get back to the top of my game.
As I say it was a real pleasure to be here in London and I want to thank the people who allow me to write here. I am a tennis player, not a writer, hope you all understand.
I also take the opportunity to wish all already some great holidays (I won’t have them) and a Merry Christmas and New Year. I know it is early but I won’t have the chance to write here then… :-)
Many thanks again and I am really looking forward to being back here at the beginning of the summer!!!
All the best
Rafa
And we are most definitely looking forward to seeing you back in London and on grass.
And now, the Q&A.
I was sitting quite close to your uncle/coach Toni and noticed he gave you a lot of encouragement during your match. How important is his and the support of your fans to your morale while playing? – Vanesha
RN: Very, very much!!!
Awww. Keep encouraging Toni!
You have said you don’t think you’ll play until you’re 30. Is that because you don’t think your body will last that many years, or because you couldn’t sustain the concentration or interest? – Love, Emma
RN: I said I am not sure … not that I won’t. I hope I do.
I do too.
Hello Rafa, are you planning another charity event with Iker Casillas this year? It looked like lots of fun for a great cause. – Love Emily
RN: No, it looks like we are not doing it this year.
Oh bummer. That’s such a fun event. I totally understand that he doesn’t have time this year.
Have you ever dreamt of something at night, which happened in the next day, like a premonition? – Alicia, China.
RN: Yes, it happens sometimes. Strange, isn’t it?
Anyone else wondering if he dreamed about winning that ’08 Wimbledon final?
As a long-time fan, I have seen you win and lose many matches. Did you ever get tears in your eyes in the locker room after losing a big match? – Muchos besos de Amberers Chloe xXx
RN: Yes. And also after winning. But not that many times.
I’ve seen him cry on the court after winning. He’s always managed to pull himself together before the award ceremony though. I can’t imagine how difficult doing that is after losing something that one wants so very much, though.
Hola Rafael. Just on a lighter note, the towels don’t look half bad. Have you collected any for a keepsake or for your friends? :) :-) – Mary (Australia)
RN: Nope.
Poor Rafa’s friends…they are towel-less.
What are your thoughts on Thierry Henry’s handball during the France vs. Ireland World Cup qualifier? – JoAnn Chu
RN: I prefer not to comment on this. Thanks
Heh. He won’t even get pulled into the politics of football.
Loading ...
Hah, 10 meters up can be nothing, or a whole lot….
Just depending on how difficult the way up is, No? :)
This is strange.. this comment belongs to the after RR3 presser.. tought i posted it there
I must have done something stupid, Miri if you will, please delete this here?
Gosh, I’d forgotten about the Iker and Rafa thingy. So no Rafa in shorty football shorts this year…
*cries*
And yes Rafa, pleeeaaase let us see you playing Queens and Wimbly in 2010 on that green, green grass. I really can’t wait!
I can’t really imagine him wanting to have keepsakes (towels) from this tournament :(
Rafa moving on to clay … yea … go get dirty and confident !!
Hey sia that was my question. He was having such a sucky time, I thought I’d throw in a lighthearted question. One where he could put a smile on his dial. I had a feeling he only takes towels when he wins. C’mon Rafa, hope you have many opportunities to collect many towels. :)
In some pap picture I have seen Rafa using the Wimby towels.
Uncle Toni and Mama Nadal looked really actively cheering Rafa, standing up and shouting encouragemt. I usually don’t see that from Toni.
His answer was so cute … “Nope”. Like no way … love the Brits but I’m outta here baby.
I’m on a role here. He has answered 3 of my questions, 2 of them at this WTF!!
And they weren’t exactly intelligent one’s, just something that sprang to mind, so I quickly asked before I forgot the question. Yep I do that all the time, a live in the moment type person!!!
I’m so chuffed Rafa replied to 2 of my questions at WTF, added to my 2 autographs I couldn’t ask for more, well maybe!!!!!! Just hope they’re all 100 percent fit come the Davis Cup. Can’t wait although will only be able to hear radio on ITF website, but hoping for some luvly pics of the boys especially Rafa and maybe some highlights of the matches.VAMOS SPANISH ARMADA!!!!!!!
Rafa hope what you say about next summer comes true and that you will be here!!
Oh that’s shame there will be no Rafa/Iker thing, it was so good the last times they have done it!! Awwww
and Merry Xmas to you too Rafa!! <3
Ughh, I only asked one question (which got answered) thinking if the screening people or whoever receives the questions saw another one from me, it wouldn’t get answered to give the opportunity to others’ questions. Dang! I should’ve e-mailed another question. Well, at least I got mine answered and good for you guys that also got your question or questions answered.
I feel sad he said he implied he wasn’t going to have great Holidays. I know he’s going to be training and working on improving his game and such but that is no reason for not having a good time and enjoying the Holidays. So, Vamos Rafa. Have an ensaimada con chocolate caliente and enjoy the Holidays!
I second this. Have a wonderful holiday season Rafa, not just by training hard and knowing that the batteries are being recharged, but more importantly enjoy your time with family and friends! May Santa bring warmth to your heart and smiles on your face!
“Anyone else wondering if he dreamed about winning that ‘08 Wimbledon final?”
Actually, I was kind of hoping he just had a dream about playing nude tennis, among other things, with me. ;)
Hah Natch…. Yeah… must confess my toughts on what he might have dreamed about involved a lot off nude and me also…;)
And me!
Sure… In dreams all is possible, No?
Oh, yes. I meant the three of us and all Rafanatics, didn’t I?
Yes! I’m sure you’re not a selfish girl, natch.
It’s ok natch, you gals can have him only after I finish my research for my new novel. It may take years though & Rafa & I will have many indepth meetings. Be patient!!!! ;)