10 Comments »

1. Julie says:

   January 28, 2012 at 7:42 pm

   Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am so “nervious” with anticipation that I can hardly sleep for the next seven hours…my long-time friends have reached the conclusion that I am obsessed, yet I find it interesting that they are now saying, “Did he win? I hope so!” Probably because they don’t want to be around me if Rafa loses to Novak again…Whatever, Rafa is playing great tennis, improving all the time, and even if he loses the match tomorrow, we can all be proud of his achievement in this tournament and rest assured that he will only get better and better! Vamos Rafa!! And thank you Miri for managing this site with such integrity and commitment.

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2. Annie says:

   January 28, 2012 at 8:05 pm

   Loved the presser video. Of course his answer to the question about Nole’s breathing issues is causing a firestorm on other blogs. Come on, people, lighten up! The last thing Rafa wants to do is start a feud with Nole. Rafa is not the type to question another player’s injury or illness. But if you keep getting asked a provocative question eventually you’ll say something that can be construed as to be “negative” – I think it was better when Rafa’s english was poor and he didn’t have to say so much.

   The spanish interview is funny to me because he seems to be talking so incredibly fast. But I wouldn’t know since I don’t speak spanish.

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3. Annie says:

   January 28, 2012 at 8:06 pm

   Julie, me too. too nervous to sleep. but I’m gonna try for a few hours.

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   • Julie says:

     January 28, 2012 at 8:13 pm

     Annie, I’m trying as well, re-reading parts of Rafa’s book to give myself “calm” before 3:30 a.m. I also find that a bit of red wine helps too:) Cheers!

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     • Annie says:

       January 28, 2012 at 10:06 pm

       Cheers back to you! I don’t know if you follow twitter but I usually tweet during the match. I’m rafannie on twitter.

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4. patzin says:

   January 28, 2012 at 10:41 pm

   Last year Rafa had a problem recovering his mental balance after losing final after final to Novak. Part of his problem last yr in my opinion was getting sick in Doha and it continued to affect him health longer than discussed. So of course he tried his best but struggled at times, in matches where those struggles resulted in losses.

   Now, in his pressers and on court, he is progressing in his confidence and at same time sounding mentally satisfied with where he is at this time. I see him as balanced and calm, which I think adds to his chances as he is also motivated to win another Slam event.

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5. Elfie says:

   January 28, 2012 at 11:43 pm

   Hey guys – something to hold onto – it is VERY hot in Melbourne today – 34 degrees C. That will help Rafa more than the Djoker (who seems to feel the heat more). But there is the slight chance of a shower around midnight Melbourne time, and closing the roof would be bad for Rafa I think. I’m feeling tense also…can only hope this is the day he overcomes the Djoker. Vamos Rafa! You can do it!
   Thanks also to Miri and Nida who helped me find out when Rafa was practising during last week when I was at the AO. I got to see Rafa play live for the first time (vs Berdych) and also see him practice twice! It was fantastic. He was taller than I expected, and though solidly built, leaner too, somehow. He is the best – just hope he wins tonight…!

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6. Sammy says:

   January 29, 2012 at 12:18 am

   Rafa sounds like he was rooting for Murray in his match against Djokovic, probably because he’s more of a friend with him, he’d have a (slightly) better chance against him or a combination of the two.

   His comment about Djokovic’s breathing problems echoes what many have said, including Darren Cahill during the Murray match, and I do agree it’s “hard to imagine” that Djokovic was really suffering with his breathing as much as he looked. Or maybe he did and the few puffs he apparently took from an inhaler during the match helped. Whatever he case, Rafa should focus on what Djokovic does during the points not between them.

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7. Silhouette says:

   January 29, 2012 at 12:38 am

   For some reason, the part of the presser I was most intrigued with was the part when he took many mouthfuls of the water. For some unknown reason, that was spellbinding on me!
   Anwyays, regarding Djokovic, it is hard to imagine he had those problems on court. But, adrenaline might be the most marvelous thing in the world? Anyway, I hope this means that if and when Rafa sees any similar displays by Djokovic later on, he will just keep his killer instinct on, and not hope for any easy points, and just GO FOR IT!
   I hope the roof in Rod Laver Arena doesn’t come down at all. We all need a warm warm evening in Melbourne later! Vamos everybody guys!!!

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8. Oliver Matar says:

   January 29, 2012 at 12:44 am

   If Rafa brings his A game tonight, he will have good chances to clinch is 11th major. Most importantly for him is to keep his 1st serve pecentage above 65% to avoid being constantly under pressure during his engagements. He will definitely have many chances to break Novak’s serve.
   I might be wrong but my gut feeling tells me that tonight is Rafa’s night!

   I’m a great Rafa fan but at the same time, I’m passionate about Tennis. That’s why I like to player who plays better tonight crowned AO champ!

   Vamos Rafa!

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