WTF: RR3 presser
Video of part of the presser via the ATP:
Full presser transcript:
Q. Can you give us your thoughts on that match and how well Jo played, how difficult it was against him tonight.
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, first thing I have to talk about myself. I think I didn’t play well tonight. The first two sets I didn’t play bad, but I didn’t play well, and to win these kind of matches you have to play well. I played without nothing special tonight, no?
Jo knows where I hit every ball during the point. I didn’t had surprise shots during all the match. So that’s very difficult at this level, no?
I was solid, but to slow with the legs. The forehand didn’t had enough pain to him. And backhand normal, okay?
After the second set, the end of the second set, I was in a little bit better position than him. At the beginning of the third, the same. But I didn’t play enough well. When I felt the match was little bit more to me than to him, beginning of the third, I played little bit too anxious to win that match.
So that’s what happened. If the two first sets wasn’t bad, but wasn’t good, the third was disaster. That’s the true, no?
He’s a dangerous player. For sure is not easy to play against him, big serve, aggressive player. To play against these kind of players, you have to do something else more, no, and I didn’t.
Best of luck for him. Congratulations to Jo. He deserved tonight more than me.
Q. Do you feel that you haven’t been at your very best form since the US Open? If so, why would that be?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, in the Davis Cup of Spain after US Open, I played great. In Tokyo I played one of my best sets of the year against Murray, the first set. Yeah, after that wasn’t my best, that’s true.
Q. Why is that?
RAFAEL NADAL: Seriously I can talk one hour for that. Is because of lot of things. Because probably I was little bit less passion for the game probably because I was a little bit more tired than usual.
I happy how I practiced last three weeks. That’s the true. Very happy with the right attitude to play tennis. That’s important because I was in the right way. But to compete I wasn’t in the right way.
We can find excuses, we can find problems for more time, but is not the moment to say that. Is the moment to, you know, still fighting. Is the moment to say the season is over. I had good season. Happy for that. Not happy about a few things during the season.
And now is the moment to analyze little bit more what I did good, what I did bad, and for sure know in what about I have to practice for the next month. That’s all.
Watch through the Australian Open and have the right practice, continue with the right practice like I had the last three weeks. And that’s the only way to try to arrive to the 2012 season with the right conditions. That’s about I dream, try to arrive in 2012 with very good conditions, and I going to practice and I going to do it all in my hands to be perfect for the beginning of 2012.
This end of the year wasn’t easy for me. That’s hard to accept. But at the same time that’s give me little bit more of illusion and little bit more goal for the beginning of 2012. That’s what I going to try.
Q. How confident are you that you can recover your form in time for the Davis Cup?
RAFAEL NADAL: We’ll see. I don’t know. I don’t know.
That’s completely different conditions. I going to be for one week practicing on clay. Even if I am not playing perfect, the surface help me. Because sometimes little bit more about confidence, sometimes little bit more about the movement. I was a little bit slower than usual, but I think I was a little bit slower than usual because my mind wasn’t perfect, so the reaction was late.
So on clay I have more time to think. The movements are a little bit easier for me. I going to have the right team there supporting me and practicing hard. I will be try my best every day to try to win the Davis Cup for my country. I’m lucky, the team, not only myself, if I’m not in the right conditions, the captain can choose another player.
Q. How eager are you still to be out there competing? It’s not been a particularly easy year for you. Is your level of confidence and eagerness to get out there and play still as strong as it’s ever been?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, this year was a tough year for me, no? I think was positive one for moments, but at the same time was hard for moments. Accept what happen during all the season, needs time for the think.
The only thing, the only important thing, today I say I didn’t have big expectations for this tournament. I know how I arrive. Always you dream that the situation can change. If I win today, you never know.
But the thing, the normal thing, is what happened. Accept, the only way to accept. And I know only one way to change situation is to work more, think more about tennis, do everything in the right shape, do everything good inside the court, everything good outside the court. And that’s what I going to try to do for the next month and for the rest 12 months of 2012. That’s what I can say. That’s what I can do.
If one player do better than me or another player is better than me, accept, congratulate the opponent. But what I have to do is try to arrive to my best, to be with calm with myself. That’s all.
That’s what I feel today I didn’t, and I need to do for next year.
Q. Are there similarities with 2009?
RAFAEL NADAL: Oh, no, no.
Q. How is it different?
RAFAEL NADAL: Completely different situation, I think. First of all, I never like to compare the situations. But second thing, you know, 2009, I had different kind of problems. This year is a completely different year.
Is not the same situation, especially because I am two years older (smiling).
Q. You were saying a little while ago about the passion had dropped a little bit. Has that happened before to this extent like you’ve experienced this time? While you were going through that, how frustrating was it?
RAFAEL NADAL: Oh, ‘frustration’ is not the right word for me. I am happy. I am here. I qualified like No. 2 of the world for the World Tour Finals. I am here playing in a fantastic stadium. I never dreamed about that if you tell me 15 years before.
So frustration is another things.
In your career you have moments here, you have moments here, you come back, you go down. And today is not my best moment because I need not a lot of things. Because the experience says me to change are just small things, but these small thing change at the end of the day a lot of things.
That’s what I have to do: work hard, working hard every day, morning, afternoon. I going to have my chance for next year to be competitive to win the big tournaments.
My illusion is there. My motivation I hope the same. I will do it. If not enough, is not going to be enough. But I will be satisfied with myself.
See you next year.
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That’s actually encouraging – as expected he knows exactly what the problem is & what needs to be done (duh – he is a 10 time slam champ despite how worried we get!) – he’s totally right about being too predictable and not causing enough pain with his forehand.
Sad that he didn’t really have many hopes for the tournament and wasn’t in competitive mode but that at least puts the results in context – he still went to 3 sets in two matches, won one and got blown away by a Federer at his very best – frankly a slightly more motivated Rafa would have still lost but got more than 3 games. Kind of annoyed that he handed Fed a win like that given Fed had never really demolished Rafa in that way before & it would have been nice to keep it that way – but it is what it is. All this talk of losing the passion is very reminiscent of RG this year but more hopeful – Davis Cup should revive some of that at least with cheerleader Rafa in evidence!
Really hope it comes together in 2012 – the work & mainly the passion & motivation. QF or better is a must for the Aus Open – winning is a tall order as I’d put him 4th favourite out of the top 4 but a strong showing should bode well for IW & beyond. Now go win that Davis Cup!
Aww…wonderful presser. *blows kisses*
See you next year too, Rafa!
This morning I read only a summary of yesterday’s tennis and the quotes from Rafa upsets me so much I struggled to concentrate at work. All quotes were about his loss of desire and passion for tennis blah blah blah and now after reading his presser I’m so relieved. As always the quotes were taking out of context and the presser soothes my soul. He is so open about how he feels and because of tha plays so into the hands of the press and his haters, but I love him for that. Shows what a great person he is. His heart is soooooooo big. Wish I was more like Rafa *sigh*
OK Rafa, see you next weekend and VAMOS Rafa for 2012.
Keep being your wonderful and adorable and sexy self!! That is why we love you – and oh for your tennis too :)
Once again a great presser:) He’s so level headed and how can you not believe that he won’t get back to his best:)
It still amazes me how context is everything. Reading a few of the quotes coming through twitter after his presser last night made things really seem negative but when you read the transcript you get a completely different picture and it’s a pretty positive presser.
As he’s said, right now mentally he’s not ready to compete at the highest level. For Rafa, the fact that he’s just not comfortable on this indoor surface and he came in with low confidence and no match-play and then you add in having to play the top 8 players in the world, it was always going to be a very difficult mountain to climb, but he knew this. Amazingly, even with his C-game he came close to beating a confident Tsonga.
I know there’s a lot of people that feel that Rafa needs to take a break from tennis but he doesn’t seem to feel that way. Here’s a quote from Spanish Espn (http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=1423407&s=ten&type=column):
“Vacation is not going to be, and neither do I need: I need to work,” said Nadal this time. Work in Mallorca post-Davis, says Rafa, it is also mental focus on the ball and improve resistance to stress situations. “I need to get that extra explosion, momentum, and the burden that could cause the opponent, a high rate constant is missing from the season finale. Not only do I have to recover it, but I have to improve,” said No. 2 world.
What’s crystal clear is that Rafa is very determined right now and seems clear headed about his goals. Whether or not that will be enough, neither he nor we know only time will tell. Bring on 2012!
“Amazingly, even with his C-game he came close to beating a confident Tsonga”.
Absolutely true! And I’ve been thinking all season, that his level hasn’t been his best, and yet he’s been second only to Djokovic’s freaky streak. That’s how good he is! Right now, he has let go of this season mentally, except for DC, and I honestly don’t think the WTF means as much to him as it does to someone like Roger.
Like you said, bring on 2012!
I’m going to keep what you both said in mind to help soothe the pain. He is so good that his C-game is still enough to be no. 2 and second only to Nole. :) Great perspective.
True indeed, but Rafa isn’t happy nor confident with his C-game! I so hope he can find his A-game again without having to go through the B-game phase for a long period of time ;-)
Oh, I agree! I just felt the need to counter some of the gloom and doom flooding the comments right now :-)
His quotes written on twitter last night was terrible for me.Whole interview sounds more positive. But same words since IW and we know how nothing changed for months and I’m not sure what Rafa can improve in a month. His problem is mental,we all know. Lack of confidence makes him play like an average player. He needs fresh mind. He needs to know he is a bigger and more talented player than he thinks. I love his humble comments but sometimes I love Rog’s attitude more. Rafa says he is happy for qualifying and being number 2 etc Fed says he doesn’t care him being number 2,3 or 4 if he is not number 1. I just sometimes want Rafa to have the same desire as Fed.
I agree too much humility may harm you. I love Rafa for being humble as long as it doesn’t interfere with his self-belief and confidence ;-) But I guess you can’t have it all!
Best of luck for him. Congratulations to Jo. He deserved tonight more than me
God bless you Rafa always!
Great pressure from Rafa as always he is so charming, sexy and passionate! Rafa lacking passion? his the most passionate player I have ever seen… and the most gracious… love this guy and please Rafa bring us some scincilating tennis in 2012!!! there is nothing like ya!
Nothing like Rafa, totally agree. Vamossssssssss
You only have to look at those “fist pump” photo’s that Miri’s posted to see how much passion he still has!
I’ve been thinking for a while Rafa has been a little burnt out and this presser has him confirming that himself. He can’t have received that much pleasure from working so hard for the last 6 months without the fun of winning.
I don’t think he’ll have a problem with the Davis Cup because playing for his country always motivates him. I hope a relaxing Christmas break will recharge his batteries so that he can refind his mojo in 2012.
Regardless of what he does, I hope he looks after himself both physically and mentally. Vamos pookie :)
I’ve been hearing this from Rafa for the entire year. He keeps saying he knows what the issue is but sadly, I am yet to see any important in those areas. As a matter of fact, his game has only gone down. He is slower to get to the balls, he mishits more often than before, he dips the ball way too short and uses too much topspin on the hard courts. I thought once you learned something, you learn it for good. The Rafa who won the US Open last year learned to play on the hard courts with the right balance of aggressive approach and defensive tactics. That Rafa had learned to serve in 130s. How does one just forget to serve the way they used to? Now his serve is terrible again. He is always struggling to hold his serve. Tsonga didn’t play his A game and Rafa still lost. I thought it was a disaster performance. And then he says that he had a great 3 weeks of practice. What does that mean?? If you practice well, don’t you deliver just as well? I mean, what was he practicing? How to dip the ball short? Or serve terribly? Or fold when the pressure mounts? If he knows what the problem is, why isn’t anything getting fixed? Why can’t he just start with one thing at a time? Like just the serve? Try to bring it back to USO 2010 level. And please, enough of this forehand to their backhand. Everyone knows where he will hit once he gets on his backhand. And then there is this backhand cross court all the time. He seems to have lost all variety he had. There is no drop shot. There is no coming at the net. There is no forehand down the line. There is no backhand down the line. What I see more and more are those looping defensive forehands, which frankly are boring tennis. And before I forget, what’s up with moving further back on the second serve? His returns used to be smart, deceptive and versatile. But all of that seems to have gone. :(
I’ve always been a die-hard fan of Rafa and still am, but it seems that it may the right time to RETHINK a lot of things. These are his prime years, he can’t afford to have another year like 2011 in the next 3-4 years.
Frankly, I am disappointed with this comment. I guess if you see things this way and find Rafa’s tennis boring, then maybe you are in the wrong fan club? And yes, you may have to rethink your choice of idol.
“These are his prime years, he can’t afford to have another year like 2011 in the next 3-4 years.”
He’s been to finals of 3 GS, winning one of them. He’s been to finals of 5 Masters, winning one. Heck, if you’re not satisfied with that, not sure what else could satisfy you. When Rafa won the US Open, I told myself that every trophy after that is icing on the cake for me.
Sometimes, it’s too easy to say “do this, do that”. Easier said than done. Especially in tennis where every stroke needs loads and years of practice. (That is why I find tennis so challenging). So even if Rafa knows he needs to do the things he need to improve on, it really is tough to do it.
Oh well…my 2 cents.
Since I learned the true nature of his 2005 foot problem (via the bio), I think every match won after the diagnosis of that is a bonus. So, Rafa’s given me enough bonuses to last a long, long time.
Oh yeah, especially after knowing that, what more can I ask for, noh? =)
@Rafraf – Firstly. I don’t find his style of play boring else I wouldn’t be a fan. I said, his current style of tennis (which btw is neither his preferred style nor any of his fans) is boring as there is no ‘juice’, there is not even a hint of his majestic talent. And yes, 2011 was a great year if you are ready to accept Rafa as just another great player. I look at him as the potential GOAT, as the person who alone changed tennis forever and as the best ambassador for the sport – any sport. I am sorry I have lots and lots of hopes associated with him and I am sure he is more than capable of doing it. I want 20 Grand Slams next to his name. Blame me for wanting so much and hence my comment that he can’t afford to have another year like 2011 in the next 3-4 years. Because I know he can do better.
I think what you say about his game is reasonable criticism. We HAVEN’T been seeing a lot of variety in his game, those incredible gets, those impossible angles, the crafty net play, the swft change-ups from defence to offence, etc lately. I don’t find myself dazzled by what he does on court as much anymore, and that hurts me as a fan, knowing what he is capable of. But I don’t think he’s lost any of those things, I just don’t his head has been in the right place lately. I think he’s been too focused on working on the technical aspects of his game, and it’s become a chore, at the expense of his passion and joy. What has always set Rafa aside for me is his great passion and determination and mental strength and energy, and that seemed to wane after Wimbledon.
For me this is a very revealing – and encouraging – interview, because I think it’s the first time he’s really acknowledged it (now that the tour is over, I’m sure he feels he can speak a little more openly) and it gives me hope that he can rebound.
Like AbigailA, below, I’m not worried about his tennis, and I think if he starts worrying a bit less and enjoying a bit more, everything will come back, and instead of being a grind, his tennis will start to sparkle again.
I think Miri is right, given what we now know about his foot injury, the last few years have been a gift and make his accomplishments even more special. I don’t expect him to win everything (even if I might want him too!)… I just want Rafa to get his groove back, and let his joy and passion light up the court and see him having fun again.
@aRafaelite
I hope you are right that ‘this’ interview is different from all the others and that he ‘knows’ the problem and will do something to address it. I also became his fan for his relentless determination and mental strength. In his earlier years, I always felt he played at a level above and beyond his natural ability and that inspired me. It made me understand a few things about myself too. I am always indebted to him for that. And now that he has acquired variety of tools in his tennis toolkit, of late, he hasn’t been using them. Not even trying, it seems. Throughout the match yesterday, there was no change of tactic from the 1st set to the 3rd. It seemed as if he didn’t really wanna do anything different to win. THAT makes me sad. As you mentioned, I just want him to get his focus, mental strength and determination back. He keeps talking about fighting and fighting, but it seems his mind gives in much sooner than it should.
I agree the state of his game is far from the best but I did see some improvement in his serve and backhand. His serve is not that fast but can cause trouble if used efficiently. You could tell he’s been practising those but as always in tennis, there’s a huge distance filled with belief and confidence between theory and practice (practice and an actual match in this case).
“My illusion is there. My motivation I hope the same. I will do it. If not enough, is not going to be enough. But I will be satisfied with myself.”
That says everything about Rafa, and it’s why I love him so much.
I thought Rafa’s tennis looked very good yesterday except on four or five points in the first set and six or seven points in the third.
In the O2 this year Rafa always gave his best and fought to the end. The U.S commentators praised him for that. And as fans we cannot ask more of him.
I am not worried about Rafa’s tennis. ;-) He knows how to play.
My concern is that he did not seem to be having much fun, even when he was playing great.
The first Rafa interview I saw from the O2 was recorded a few days before play began. In it Rafa seemed subdued, almost unhappy, as he played down his chances. (And that was before he got sick.)
Even as he walked out onto the court for matches, through the dry ice steam and in front of the cheering crowds, Rafa seemed a little low.
Truth be told, it looked to me as though a part of Rafa did not want to play in London this year.
He did it. He gave all he had. But without the joy and happy freedom he has shown so often on court in the past.
Miri, I think you were onto something when you commented about Rafa’s enormous smiles in the gala photos. It looked as though Rafa “doth protest too much methinks,” i.e., Rafa might have been smiling so broadly to compensate, unconsciously, for not feeling so good inside.
I thought so – or rather, feared so – at the time.
I agree. I felt the same when he lost to Soderling in the FO some years ago. He didn’t seem happy then and he certainly hasn’t been happy this week in London. Of course he knows how to play, you don’t forget that, he just cannot deliver. That’s basically what mental issues are all about.
Rafa looked in London as though he was carrying a heavy burden, the nature of which we out here cannot know.
I hope that with the help of the people close to him he begins to enjoy himself more on court. (Davis Cup might help with that.)
Let’s try to remember that there’s only one tennis player in the world who wouldn’t joyously trade his last year for Rafa’s.
Rafa chose to take the end of this year to try his best to be fit for the start of next year – ie, stay healthy and play well at the AO for a change. The YEC never has meant much to him although he did make an effort last year, I think out of embarrassment over his 2009 performance there.
Nothing could be better for Rafa’s motivation than winning a couple of big, fat trophies; that is “the true”.
This man is not in this career to just play and “almost win” or make it to quarters or semi’s. No wonder he feels deflated.
Here’s hoping he can get a few big, fat trophies to re-energize him
I totally agree with you @Bebe
yes I agree, if you keep gettin so close only to lose its easy to lose passion.. only winning again, and trophies I MEAN will revive him!
Just re-read a Steve Tignor article from early 2010 that seems very appropriate right about now given Rafa’s confidence and form – Steve just seems to totally get Rafa: http://tennisworld.typepad.com/thewrap/2010/01/a-player-to-watch.html – a lot of what he says is so applicable now:
“Nadal is, more than any other Hall of Fame player I’ve seen, a creature of confidence.”
“Since his breakthrough season of 2005, Nadal has typically been unbeatable for stretches of four to six months before falling back to earth for about the same amount of time. Maybe, on second thought, Nadal isn’t unique for his varying levels of confidence, but for how consistently he varies from year to year—he always goes up, he always goes down, and then, just when you wonder whether his psyche or knees are permanently fried, he always goes up again.”
“The short term issue will be his ability to find that match, that moment, that shot, that tournament, the one which will allow him to find his old confidence, his old aggressiveness, and his old resourcefulness and become temporarily unbeatable again.”
“In the meantime, tennis fans can enjoy watching him search for that moment. Nadal’s ups and downs make him, more than most other players, worth watching for the journey as much as for the end result. Where Federer, the ultimate in consistent excellence, barely lets us see him sweat, Nadal takes us for a ride with him as he plays—sometimes it’s scary, other times it’s exhilarating. The guy has the gift of transparency; few, if any, current players photograph as vividly on court. In his walk, in his face, in his eyebrows, even in his backhand, he can’t hide how he’s feeling. I’ll predict just one thing about Rafa in 2010: He’ll be a player to watch.”
Post 09 Rafa’s problems were partly physical, partly emotional – this year it seems all mental and emotional but hopefully just like he came back then he can do so now – this isn’t a new scenario for his fans and yes there will be a time when he won’t bounce back but hopefully 2012 isn’t it! Vamos!
Yes, Tignor always has a good intuition, what makes players tick, but I contend, that end of season 2009 and end of season 2011 can’t be compared. Rafa said so himself: “I’m two years and 4 slam wins older.” The physical aches and nigglings will figue more prominent, he’s gainend more experience, but he lost a step ot two, and he has basically won everything in sight. Other, younger players are breathing down his neck. So 2012 might be very important for the further direction of his career. I just read, that Lleighton Hewitt decided against retirement, because he still enjoys playing the game. I admire that a whole lot. I think Rafa has a decent chance to bounce back, if he finds the fun of just being able to play, no matter, if he wins or lose the tournaments.
One other thing: Boris Becker wrote in an English newspaper, that Rafa is a creature, who needs the elements, sun and wind, around him. That gives him energy and joy of life. He will not thrive under the blue indoor light. If I see those pale pictures of him, I ask myself, if Boris has for once said something very insightful.
I think Boris is right. After his loss to Federer, Rafa talked about how well the conditions suit Roger. The bounce is lower, he can play more inside the court, and then he said, with just the slightest hint of disdain, “the ball doesn’t move nothing, no windy”.
When I heard that, I couldn’t help thinking, that’s the closest Rafa will get to saying “this ain’t real tennis”.
I know the DC final is also indoors, but at least he’ll have the dirt beneath his feet :-)
You’re right that this year is different & I don’t think we should be expecting a 2010 like year next year (great if it happens but the competition is tough!) – but I just want Rafa to look confident on court again and like he’s enjoying himself – that can happen as he’s always slumped in this part of the year.
And Boris is right about the indoor thing – Rafa’s said in the past that “sun is energy” & he prefers being in the element! He definitely looks happier and healthier all tanned and in the sun than in this part of the year.
With Federer rising again, Novak & Andy looking strong and kids like Raonic & Tomic etc. around it’s not going to be any easier to win the big titles but hope he can squeeze out a slam or two next year – he’s a different player in best of 5, so far at least! Hope for Monte-Carlo & RG & Wimbly – not much to ask is it ;)
It’s common knowledge Rafa doesn’t like playing indoors, so what Boris Becker said is very correct. And that’s what makes the fact that he made it to the final last year very important, even if he didn’t win it. But even that doesn’t justify his performance in London this year. Hearing him say he’s lost some of his passion for tennis towards the end of the year was hard for me because for the first time (and it’s the first time he’s said it so openly) I worry whether one can really get that back without depending on an important victory that will never come unless you have the passion and believe in yourself. It’s the never ending vicious circle I so hope Rafa will get out of, being the champion that he is.
I think the loss of the 6 finals to Djok was the hammer blow after the US open. His zest for tennis and motivation evaporated and he would have walked away from tennis for the rest of the year if he could apart from DC – the killer blow of course was Florian Mayer with that loss. Anything else after that I think Rafa didn’t really care. On top of this with the flu / poison at WTF, he probably thought WTF!… am I doing here anyway compounded with the shoulder problems, which of course he played down. The classic comment to the media “if I say something to you I gonna lie and I don’t like to lie”. Meaning to say he was in perfect condition but deep down anything but – hence all the terrible terrible loopy short balls. The practice he has been doing no doubt will see benefit in early 2012. How can it be with all the rust, stomach and shoulder problem. He had no chance. But at the same time i didn’t think he would go down 6 0 to Fed.
I am more worried about how he feels about tennis right now ” a la Borg” than anything else. I keep thinking the fact that he loses gives him the motivation to win and if he keeps winning perhaps he feels empty and nothing to win anymore? In some ways I wish his attitude could be more like Fed. I can’t see Rafa loving tennis in the same way as Fed and Hewitt way down the road, even if he was fit can you? Rafa is very expressive and just because he does a fit pump it doesn’t necessary mean he loves the passion – just in that moment. So that is my concern overall that after 2012 (if he wins everything in sight including another Olympic gold) he might think his job is done, he is satisfied.