Wimbly: post 2nd round presser clip
A clip from ESPN:
A lot of repeat footage here, but also a bit more at on the Wimbledon site.
Updated:
I forgot to check the Tennis Channel site before posting. Here’s an additional clip:
Hoping for a full transcript eventually. From the tweets that went out and this video, Rafa was his usual level-headed self about the loss.
A self-indulgent message:
I keep having people ask me if I’m devastated. True, this was not the outcome any of us wanted, but as Rafa says in the Wimbledon clip, “it’s not a tragedy, it’s only a tennis match. In the end, that’s life, there’s much more important things.” Since I just spent the evening delivering and helping set up physical therapy equipment for my mom’s partner, I got a rather intense reminder of that. He’s a piano player with no full-time employer and, in the US, that also means no or limited health insurance. He suffered a stroke two weeks ago and as a consequence has limited or no use of a good chunk of the left side of his body…including his left hand. He needs to relearn so much and has quite possibly lost the ability to earn a living by doing something he loves with his whole being. They have been working to try and cobble together inexpensive help for physical and occupational therapy. There’s no tragedy in tennis. There’s drama, there’s joy, there’s sadness, but tragedy? Not so much. Go live your life and try to not let this cloud your day too much. It’s tennis. There’s always another tournament.
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It is all about perspective; thanks Miri. Today was another day in the tournament; some people won and some lost. Those that lost tried their best, which just wasn’t good enough today vs their opponent. Look forward to next event; there is always a next event, esp in tennis.
Thanks Miri!I feel the same!
Good point. I am a citizen of the united states and I at least had some good news today with the Supreme Court ruling. Made this loss a little easier to take. At least one good thing happened today. Also knowing that Rafa would be at least saying something like “this is sport.” The real tragedy is people like your mother’s partner who suffer while insurance companies run the healthcare system in the US. Hope everything gets better for him.
Let’s not turn this into politics, please.
And a thank you for the kind words regarding my friend would be nice.
I appreciate your keeping fans up to date, but sometimes I think you need to keep your judgments about peoples comments not following your rules in perspective.
I had two intents
1) to express that the plight of people like your friend will hopefully get better which makes this news better for me personally and express symathy for your friend. I truly had this though after Rafas defeat and it made me feel better.
2) to agree with your about your comment about perspective.
I really don’t want to have to boycott your site but I thought you were just very judgmental and unappreciative of my comment.
Well said, ds. I agree with every word you wrote.
Seriously? I was in a hurry ready to run out the door and pick up a friend at the airport but wanted to clamp down on any possible political debate that could start while I was out. Sorry I wasn’t pleasant enough for your tastes in my reply. I admit it – I’m a blunt person. Add that, being tired and in a hurry. But I also think that coming back with that reply was rude too. So…sorry. I don’t know what else to say.
Thats fine, you were just trying to make sure no further political comments made but I took it as a personal chastizing. I just thought that in my day, there were two significant world events that happened that day–that unmentionable decision and rafa’s loss. I was trying to work it through myself to keep it in perspective and taking solice in one thing that in my interpretation was good; and agreeing with you about “perspective. I should not have shared it here. Sorry.
hear, hear ds. I wholeheartedly agree.
well said! Miri do not rush before you jump! ds showed some humanity, respect that!
I’m sorry, what? … miri was very polite in her request … I’m afraid ds was way out of line esp. considering the circumstances.
Yes, I’ve just read above conversation and my initial thought was “I BEG your pardon?!” How dare people be so rude? Miri runs the site and was 100% correct and polite in what she said. What would Rafa think of his fans? *tuts*
what is so political in ds`s comment?!? ds showed empathy&heart!!!
Well I guess I fucking dare, CC!
Wow. I’m with CC. I totally don’t understand the reaction and tirade against Miri. It’s always been clear that this site isn’t for anything political. Being engaged in politic debate about issues is a great thing – just not here. Here is for thinking about Rafa only. All Miri said was please don’t start a political discussion about health care. It wasn’t in the least rude and I’m baffled by the response.
I think you are right in what her intention was in just trying to keep something from getting political. That ws never my intention. I was expressing another way in which I put rafas defeat in perspective regarding another significant event of the day. relating to what miri had said directly since she did mention something slightly related to the subject which is what made me mention it. By the way, as you probably know, this is a very very very hot topic in the US. thought this was a european site or at least that it was probably majority european on thsi site and that what I said would be taken for granted and not start the kind of steamy debate that the words start here in the U.S.
In summary: my intention was to express happiness about one thing in a grim debate. Not start a debate. I felt accused of starting a debate.
Sorry for calling anyone rude. That is bad wording.
I’m American, but a lot of non-US people visit and comment on the site – that’s the reason I mentioned the insurance situation. And it’s precisely because it’s a hot topic here that I felt it so important to let people know I didn’t want a debate on it to break out.
I am always astonished and uplifted by Rafa’s grace and wisdom. And thank you Miri for such a timely reminder about perspective, priorities and gratitude.
I watched Rafa’s 5th set (and tail-end of Italy vs Germany EURO 2012 semifinals match).Rafa lost and after my morning prayers, I went back to sleep feeling sad. Then I had a dream. I met Rafa after his match and he asked me with sad eyes, “YOU WILL COME WATCH ME AT THE OLYMPICS ,NO?” I replied ” NO, MAYBE AT ANTH TOURNAMENT”..Hmm..it felt so REAL! :o(
But anyway, such is Sports..Unpredictable, just like LIFE . There must be ONLY one winner. Hope Rafa recharges his batteries for the OLYMPICS! VAMOS! :o)
Looking forward to the Olympics!! Rooting for you Nadal!!
A little perspective is always a good thing. This video of the presser is another good reminder of how grounded Rafa is. Such an exceptional young man.
I remember years ago Toni responded to a reporter who said to him referring to a match/tournament Rafa had just lost “What a tradgedy” and Toni said something to the effect “No, this isn’t a tragedy, starving people in Africa is tragic”.
So sorry for your Mom’s partner … I sure hope there will be music in their lives again soon.
I always do feel bad when he lose (certainly worse than I should – thanks for putting it into perspective, Miri!), but then I see Rafa’s presser and he always makes me feel so much better. He handles defeats so well! I hope he makes the most of his summer holiday and crushes them all at the Olympics! Vamos Rafa!
My best wishes for a recovery for your mum’s partner!
Hi guys
I am an ardent fan of Rafa just like all of you and have been watching his game for years…I just want to share a thought…I have observed that whenever Nadal or one’s favourite player loses, fans respond with platitudinous comments (not on this site but in general) like ‘Oh Disappointed but please win Olympics’…’Please win Wimbledon’or ‘Rafa played a pathetic game’…I feel this is outrageous.. I mean, who are we to judge a world-renowned sports player who has won 11 GS by the virtue of his skills, intuition and tenacity? He is one of the greats of the game and it’s not fan support that helped him reach these heights..Of course, it’s inspiring for any player to have so many admirers but he doesn’t owe us anything except maybe gratitude…Why should Rafa win Wimby for us?..He has achieved so much already and we should be thankful for the fact that we have such great people playing a game we love to watch..I don’t know why people keep forgetting the fact that he is just a 26 year old guy?!!..And a sportsman..He may lose his cool at times..may get upset..may serve badly..It is his match to win or lose..How can we expect that he will play in every GS final?..Yes, It’s not a tragedy…Sports players get bogged down by fans’expectations when it becomes overwhelming..It’s a match, nothing else..Apologize for the long post..
Sophie, you gave words to my thoughts. We admire or respect or love this young man, but we don’t own him. And we don’t know better than he does. Thanks.
Vamos, Rafa.
I agree. We his fans admire or respect or love this remarkable young man, but we don’t own him. And we don’t know better than he does how to win his games and live his life.
I just wish all the best for him, and am grateful that he lets me watch at a distance his amazing career through this world of tennis.
Vamos, Rafa.
Hi everyone, I followed the match atleast up till the beginning of the 4th set over the radio as I was driving back from work. Watching the 4th on TV , there was something not quite right with Rafa. His shots lacked sting, when he could get in to the rally as his opponent was raining bombs! His rythm was not there and call it intuition but I had a sneaking suspicion something like this result would happen. He looked mentally slowed and physically a step slower.He was e motionally drained after winning RG, he played Halle( out of his routine last few years where he has played Queens) , realised he wanted to rest. Not sure how much he did, then came to London and “practiced” on grass. Djokovic didn’t play a tournie after RG, rested and played a couple of exhibition matches. That prepares him better to intense practice which doesn’t simulate match conditions. I personally think , mental fatigue, Physical fatigue( not injury) and being ” not ready” were big factors. Opponent played great. I played a lot of sport when i was youngerI play tennis for fun( kind of :-). Responsibilities ( family, kids , work) divert energies to elsewhere so getting myself mentally up for competitive sport sometimes is tough.Rafa didn’t have that extra energy he could tap into . It happens. Maybe his attention was elsewhere? What dya think y’all?
Prash, I thought he played the 4th set well. He did not play the first 3 sets at his normal high level for sure, but the 4th set he played well.
I think he was still in a period of transition from clay, not quite there yet, but he was improving as the match progressed, he was starting to read his opponent’s serve better, and finding his forehand.
When the roof closed, it became and indoor tournament on a very fast surface, not only that played right into his opponent’s style, Rosol suddenly played at a level that nobody could have beaten.
Basically the 1st 3 sets came down to (1) serve (2) return of serve. Rosol knew exactly Rafa’s weakness and executed his strategy to perfection.
I really hope the lack of match play on grass is not going to hurt Rafa’s chances at the Olympics.
I am also always uplifted and amazed at Rafa’s grace and wisdom in his press conferences. It sure helps to hear/read them after he’s lost a match. It reminds you that it’s just a tennis match…
Glad to see he is fine.
I had this awful dream last night, that Andy Murray had died :(. I felt so sad, he’s been my second favourite player for years, and I find his, much like Rafa, such a nice and sweet person. I was so glad when I woke up and noticed it had just been a dream…
Perspective indeed.
Hope your mom’s partner will be better Miri, my best wishes to him and your mom.
I love your post Miri. I just realized I’ve learned so much interacting with (read: plurking your site and following tweets) sports fans. You just get so much insight about things not even related to sport. Thank you. You made my week. :)
It always impresses me how well Rafa deals with the torrent of inane questions from the journalists; If it were me, I might be tempted to just get up and leave.
Oh, he has dealt just as well with way worse questions.
Yeah I know, I don’t think I could hack being pestered by those people year on year…
Rafa gracious in defeat as always; no excuses just acceptance and recognition of his opponent. And he is right – this is not the end of the world.
I had the feeling that there’s going to be a big upset, but never thought it would be Rafa. I was hoping it would be Djok. Oh well.
You’re still my champ, Rafa!
A million kisses from San Francisco. :)
If he is half as cool as he looks, I guess he will be able to deal with this quite well.
he seems very cool about it,not upset at all! l like seeing him smile and taking it with dignity. as he said:”it`s just a match, not a tragedy!”
this loss came as surprise but it did not upset me at all because he seemed not ready for Wimbledon and it`s ok, he had very successful clay season so take it easy! there will be other tournaments to win. I am still in the 7 heaven of 7th RG!!! this loss cannot spoil the fun!
Rafa should take deserved rest and come back strong for Olympics…and later there will US tour…other top players might be tired but he will be fresh and l have big hopes for USO!
now Federer has more chances of winning his 7th title, why not!?!
Thank you for this website Miri and thinking of you and your family …
Completely in agreement with Cristina! Rafa and Andy my two favorites as always … Looking forward to the Alma Nadal match with Novak and the Olympics. In the meantime Go Andy!
“You have to control your emotions when you lose and when you win. Nothing is terrible when you lose and nothing is fantastic when you win. You have to find the right point and keep working.” – Rafael Nadal
Thanks again Miri for your wonderful website, will keep your family in my thoughts…
Rafa is so classy & gracious,a real champ!!
Vamos Rafa for a second gold @ OG:)
Hello, all…sometimes people don’t understand why one feels they do when your athlete or team loses. So here it is:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/61709-sports-fan-psychology-its-more-than-just-a-game
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND…
Watching these presser clips completely put me at ease. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so chatty and smiley after a loss. I think he wasn’t ready for this tournament, he knew it and didn’t expect to go deep. He has been hinting at it in interviews lately, and the challenge of transition from clay to grass didn’t seem to thrill him as much as previous years.
If Rafa isn’t “really, really disappointed”, then neither am I!
Vamos abanderado! :)
I don’t feel really, really disappointed either! Rafa’s so lovely and smiley and with colm here that…yeah, who needs to worry?
Very much agree guys :). If he’s fine about it, then so am I.
GREAT post!! Like many others, I as stunned and deeply upset by Rafa’s loss. And then, Rafa’s level-headed comments (“It’s not a tragedy….”) lift me, remind me what’s important. And you reinforced it, Miri. Thank you and good luck to your family.
I am always grateful to Miri for bringing me news of Rafa. Today I want to especially thank Miri for putting Rafa’s loss in perspective. You are such a champ, Miri. Always look forward to and enjoy Nadalnews so much.
After Rafa lost to Soderling in 2009 at RG, he said all the same things but you could tell how upset he really was underneath. This time, honestly, he doesn’t look that upset. If he can smile about it, so can I. Besides, more time to practice for the Olympics!