I think it it important more than any other GS for him to get his 5th F/O – for him, his confidence and for the fans to say sorry. I think the big shock for me was the fact he lost to the Sod – after the dislike at the Wimby ’07 for them both. (I think deep down this hurt Rafa the most). Your right about the media wanting the juicy story and now it’s “out” about Rafa and his knee problems I think the media have got egg over their face. Looking at some of the 2009 highlights they seem to have changed their tune over the “shocking” Rafa loss to putting it in more of an acceptable defeat. What a turn around. Anyway I am no tennis expert but any fan can see what Rafa needs to do and not to do to win his games. Please Rafa if you are surfing listen to your fans – we want you to be aggresive, know you have that aura and will win everytime and have that mojo and strutt xxx

I know I have to be patient but don’t want to see Rafa ripped apart again like he was towards the end of 2009 to the likes of Cilic, Davy, the Sod, Del Port. Even Djok is getting his number. It still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth just as much as his first FO loss, which in hindsight and having heard his interviews, he should never have played coz of the unbearable pain in the knees. But at least now we can put the FO loss into context and finally put “the disaster” to bed. So sad however, that the media has hyped it up as the most shocking sports tennis disaster of the decade – I think even Rafa can’t believe how his loss was blown up out of all proportion rather than the media talking about his great wins. I think this has hurt and destroyed his confidence. I am sure when he said he has made some mistakes – one of them was the decision to play the FO and wish he missed it like he did Wimbledon.

For 2010 its a new year, a new beginning. Rafa must revert back to his aggresive play which is an awesome sight to see. This would be easier for him, help his longetivity in his career, help his knees, and make it easier for us suffering fans to watch (no hiding behind the pillow!). I think a New Year resolution, flatty forehands and backhands, fast powerful, deep to the baseline (no whippy, loopy short balls please), go into the net more and serve out wide then volley for the winner close to the net is the way to go. Rafa will be untouchable and he will do the grand slam. And please Rafa what you do so well in practice please put it in the match! No defensive play. Be confident in yourself, your ability and confidence with running with your knees. One other thing please serve first in your matches!! It makes it easier for us fans when you are a game ahead each time. So Rafa, if you are surfing the net which we know you do, all of us wish you a fantastic, exciting 2010 with the best of health and back to your winning ways with that beautiful mishievous smile and gushing teeth biting those trophies. We miss this about you so much xxxxx

Yes I am indeed worried – I have to be honest having watched the Hewit Rafa vid and some past DVDs. I actually think he is going backwards, not forwards in improving / tweaking his game. Most players can read his game now and are running to the spot where he will place his whippy forehand getting it back time and again. The backhand down the line seems to have deserted him and only getting loopy ones in court. The Rafa of 17 in that vid was astonishing – his flat powerful 100mph forehands just wicked. I haven’t seen any of this since the AO and from watching his practices etc. can’t see he will do this in the future. He def needs a coach with Toni by his side and get that confidence to go for every shot flat and hard and in agreement with someone else on the site he will then win many many more grand slam titles.

What a good job I don’t have to work today…