Soul김holic

＃1 Tue. 11th January,2011

1. When you were a kid how often did you have to train? Good luck in the Australia Open! Narelle, Melbourne

當你還是小孩子時，你的練習頻率是？

RN: It depends on the age. I always loved to play so I could be playing for hours. It did change when becoming pro. There it's more organised the work. Maybe 2-3 hours.

要看是幾歲。我一向熱愛打球，所以一打可以打上數小時。當轉入職業之後就有所改變。會比較有組織性。大概

兩、三小時。

2. Rafa, can you tell if your serve is good from the minute it leaves your racquet? Have you hit so many serves in practice that you can just tell if it's good or not?Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.  Sharon Bond, email

Rafa，你能夠在球一離開球拍的同時就知道這球是否有發好嗎？練習時你是否發了很多球才能分辨出

是否有發好？

RN: Yes sure. You feel it immediately. But then it doesn't depend on practice. You also have to have the day or confidence.

是的，當然。你立刻就能察覺。但並不只是仰賴練習。你也必須有運氣或者要有信心。

3. G'day Rafa, firstly good luck. Secondly, how would you like to emigrate to Australia as we need a top level men's representative. We're struggling at the moment. I’m sure Tennis Australia and the Aust. Government will chip in and help with relocation costs. Mex, Brisbane

你願意移民到澳洲嗎，因為我們需要頂尖男子代表。我們正在一個掙扎的時刻。我相信澳洲網球與政府

會對於轉籍提供捐贈與協助。

RN: I am actually very happy to be from Spain and very proud of it. I also think that Mallorca is a very nice place to live so thank you very much
I am sure that Australia will come with some good players soon since here they love sports and tennis has a huge tradition. No worries as you say here.

實際上我很高興我來自西班牙，並且對此感到驕傲。我也認為Mallorca是個很好的居住地，謝謝你。我相信澳洲

很快就會出現一些優秀球員，因為澳洲人熱愛運動，並且在網球方面擁有悠久傳統。你無須擔憂。

4. Good luck with your Rafa Tiger Slam. Do you think of playing tennis as your job or more like school? I know you are a pro but you always talk of learning and improving. Sia, Canada

你認為打網球對你來說是你的工作或是更像是在學校學習？我知道你是個職業球員，但你總是不斷談論到

學習與進步。

RN: Thanks. Well it is true. You always learn and improve, believe me. Just look at every player not me. Even Roger improves!

是真的。相信我，你總是在學習與進步。看看其他球員，即使Roger也在進步！

5. You have mentioned before that you are friends with Lleyton Hewitt, I was wondering do you practise with Lleyton or hang out when you’re not on site at tournaments? Mallory Williams, email

你之前提過你和Lleyton Hewitt是朋友，你會跟Lleyton一起練球或是當沒有比賽時有往來？

RN: Yes, I like him. He's always been nice with me. I clearly had a language barrier with him since my English wasn’t so good and he speaks very fast!

是的，我喜歡他。他一向對我很好。因為我的英文不大好，而且他說話非常快，所以我們之間顯然有語言

的障礙！

6. We hear a lot about winning and competition, but on the social side, what pro tennis players do you socialise with and what do you do with them? Mark Doyle, Shepparton

我們聽過許多關於贏球與競爭的事情，但當在社交方面，哪些職業網球選手是你有在往來，而你和

他們在一起時都做些什麼？

RN: Mostly with other Spaniards and Argentinean players. A matter of language.

大部分是跟西班牙與阿根廷球員，因為語言問題。

7. What drives you, what keeps you motivated to achieve success?Mike Johnston, email

你成功的動力是什麼？

RN: I love the sport and I love the competition.

我熱愛運動且熱愛競賽。

8. You seem to be very superstitious when playing. Is there any particular reason you're like this and do you have any superstitions off the court or any weird quirks? Jim Cowski, email

當你在比賽的時候似乎非常迷信。有任何讓你喜歡如此的特定理由，以及你在場下有任何迷信或是

任何怪癖嗎。

RN: Not really. I have those ticks and also routines to be organised. But I am not really superstitious.

不是的。我是有些固定的習慣程序，但並不是迷信。

9. Yo Rafa. Where does the Aussie Open rank to you personally? And are you and Marcos Baghdatis friends? Philip, email

澳網在你心目中的排名是？你跟Marcos Baghdatis是朋友嗎？

RN: I think this is a very friendly tournament. Everyone from the organisation is very nice and Craig Tiley, the tournament director, is a great person and always takes very good care of all of us. I really rate this tournament very high. And of course it is one of the four Slams so....

我認為這是個非常友善的賽事。主辦單位的每個人都非常好，而且賽會總監Craig Tiley是個非常棒的人，總是非常

照顧我們。我真的對這個賽事有很高的評價。當然，它是四大滿貫賽之一，所以....

(完全略過巴大叔XDDDDDDDDD)

＃2 Sun. 16th January,2011

It was a mistake to buy my James Bond car
Rafael Nadal

買了James Bond車是一個錯誤

Ｑ＆Ａ

1. Rafa, with all the equipment and bags you have to juggle, I wonder which you have lost or misplaced most often – your phone, your wallet, or your watch? Christy

你必須要收拾整理所有的裝備與背包，我好奇有什麼是你最常遺漏或是擺錯位置 - 你的電話、皮包

或是手錶？

RN: Hello Christy. I tend to lose both my phone and my wallet from time to time. It is not always in my bag so I go crazy. But yeah, that would be the first place to look in. :)

我常一次又一次地弄丟了我兩支電話跟錢包。當發現不在我的包包裡，我就會抓狂。但背包是我第一個尋找的

地方=)

2. Hi Rafa, Glad you are feeling great again. I can’t wait to cheer you on in every match in Australia. My question is – As you travel around the world so much do you ever suffer from jet lag and if not what are your tips? Muchas Gracias for the most amazing 2010. VAMOS! Sharon Davies, London

當你經常在巡迴世界時，你曾經有過無法適應時差嗎，如果沒有，你有什麼適應訣竅嗎？

RN: Many thanks Sharon. Yes I do suffer from jet lag but not that much. In any case that’s why we also come early, to get use to it and be ready. No tips, just try to sleep at the right time.

是的，我會有時差，但不是很常發生。無論如何那就是為什麼我們也提前抵達，好能夠適應時差並且做好

準備。沒什麼竅門，就是試著在該睡覺的時間睡覺。

3. Hi Rafa! My question is what do you think about when you sit down at the change of ends? Is it only about the next game or the match in general? Good luck at the Open! Jan, UK.

當你在換場坐下來的時候，你都在想些什麼？

RN: It depends. I think mostly on what I have to do in the next points analyzing what I have done before. But it depends on the situation and how the match is going. Mainly I try to stay focussed.

看情況。大部分我會分析我先前的表現，思考接下來我必須要怎麼做。但要情況以及比賽的發展。我主要是

嘗試要保持專注力。

4. Hola Rafa! The pictures we saw of you during your time in India working with your foundation are some of the happiest I have seen of you. Can you briefly describe what it means to you to see the results of your foundation and the people it helps for yourself? Wooffs, England

我們看過你和你的基金會在印度時的照片，其中有些是我看過最幸福的你。見到你的基金會的成果，

幫助了許多人，你能簡單地描述一下那對你的意義是？

RN: Many thanks. I think it is very important to do things for the ones who most need help. In my case I love kids and I had the chance through my foundation with the help of my mother to help kids there. Very good and positive experience considering they are probably happier than other people in our part of the world that have almost everything. A good lesson to learn.

非常感謝。我認為幫助真正需要幫助的人是非常重要的。我熱愛小孩，而我有機會在我母親的協助下，透過

我的基金會幫助那裡的孩子。想到他們也許會比世界上其他幾乎擁有一切的人還要開心，這是非常好且正面

的經驗。我學到很多。

5. Hi Rafa! Good luck at the Australian Open! Do you get much time to drive your Aston Martin, and does it make you feel like James Bond? Love Sam

你有時間開你的Aston Martin，並且那有讓你感覺自己像James Bond嗎？

RN: Thanks Sam. No not much time and to be honest with you a mistake to have bought that car.

沒有很多時間，而且老實說，我挺後悔買了那台車。

6. I’m curious how you decide which members of your family travel with you to your tournaments? Do you have a limited number of seats available to you for your matches? Thanks! Kelly

我很好奇你如何決定哪些家庭成員在比賽時跟你一起巡迴？在你的比賽時為成員提供的座位有數量

限制嗎？

RN: It is them who decide. Up to them. I like them to have them around but it is their decision. I travel with my time for work. And yes we do have a limited number of seats. Here at this tournament they are really nice.

是他們決定。我喜歡有他們(指家人)的陪伴，不過決定權在他們身上。我巡迴是為了工作。而的確有座位

數量的限制。澳網主辦單位真的非常友好。

7. Hi, Rafa. Thank you for blogging again. Last year in Australia, you said you might try to keep track of the distance that you travelled during the year. Did you count your kilometers in 2010? If so, what was the (approximate) total? Best wishes for great success Down Under! Cynthia in the U.S.

你去年在澳洲時說過可能會嘗試計算這一年中巡迴的距離。2010年時你有計算公里數嗎？如果有，

總距離是多少呢？

RN: Ouch, I didn’t. I have to do it this year.

噢，我沒有算。我今年要來做。

8. Dear Rafa! I noticed that you have had a number of different doubles partner over the last few years (congratulations for winning Doha with Marc Lopez by the way!). Just want to ask out of the players you have not yet played doubles with, who would you like to team up with? Best of luck in Australia! Qing Qing, China

我注意到在過去幾年中，你有過許多不同的雙打搭檔(恭喜你和Marc Lopez贏得多哈雙打冠軍)。我想

知道在你還沒有搭檔過的球員中，你想要和誰組隊？

RN: Roger Federer.

Roger Federer。

9. Dear Rafa, I’m a huge fan of yours! I saw your photos coming to Melbourne and notice Maymo is playing with an ipad. Do you play any games on the ipad or is playstation still your favourite? All the best for the Australian Open! Wendy Pan, Melbourne

我看了你到墨爾本時的照片，並且注意到Maymo在使用ipad。你有用ipad玩任何遊戲，還是PS仍舊

是你的最愛？

RN: I do. I am playing these days Gran Turismo.

我有。我這幾天在玩Gran Turismo。


＃3 Mon. 17th January,2011

What it was like meeting David Cameron
Rafael Nadal

和David Cameron見面會是什麼樣

Hello everyone from Melbourne! I didn’t write anything yesterday – only answer your questions. I am here in Melbourne since Monday night when we arrived. You have probably seen my Facebook page with the pictures I posted from the flight and my arrival. It is always nice to be here although this year it was raining last week every day. Very strange to see that here. But now the sun is back out and I am enjoying more my time and the practice. Tomorrow is my first match and I am really looking forward to it.

來自墨爾本的問候！我昨天什麼都沒寫 - 只有回答你們的問題。我從星期一晚上就抵達墨爾本了。你們也許

有看到我發在facebook上那些我在飛機上的照片。在這裡的時刻總是很棒，雖然今年上個禮拜每天都在下雨。

在這裡看到這景象實在很怪異。但是現在陽光回來了，我更加享受我的時光與練習。明天就是我的首場比賽，

我真的很期待。

Thanks again to The Times for having me blog here and letting me be in touch directly with you.

再次感謝The Times提供我的部落格，讓我能夠直接和你們接觸。

Cheers – as they say here.

Cheer - 這裡的人都是這麼說。

Rafa


Ｑ＆Ａ

1. It’s great to have you back blogging and answering our questions, I hope it brings you luck. When you were in London at the World Tour Finals, what was it like meeting the Prime Minister, did you enjoy it and did you get the chance to talk to him? Beses y abrazos, Juliette Westbrook-Finch

當你年終賽在倫敦的時候，和首相會面是什麼情況，你享受嗎，你有機會可以跟他交談嗎？

RN: Yeah, it was nice to meet him. He seemed to be a very nice person and for us to be at 10 Downing Street was an honour.

是的，能跟他見面很棒。他似乎是個非常好的人，而且對我們來說，能夠在唐寧街十號是一種榮耀。

2. Do you have a song that reminds you of a special moment in your career? Like for example for me every time I hear Gabriella Cilmi’s Sweet about me, I think about the Australian Open 2009 final because she performed it before the match. Or Empire of the Sun’s Walking on a dream because they played it before matches on the BBC for the Australian Open last year. Cedrine

有沒有一首歌能讓你想起你職業生涯的某一個特別時刻？像是我每次聽到Gabriella Cilmi的Sweet

about me，我就會想到2009年澳網決賽，因為她在那場比賽之前演唱了這首歌。或是Empire of

the Sun的Walking ona dream，因為他們在去年澳網比賽前在BBC上表演了這首歌。

RN: No, not really. Not a specific song. I have a lot of songs that reminds me a lot of things though, like everyone else I suppose.

不，並沒有。沒有一首特定的歌。有很多歌曲讓我想起了很多事情，我猜就跟其他人一樣。

3. Congratulations on a great season so far. I’ll be visiting Madrid for the first time. Any recommendations for restaurants to try while I’m there? Good luck for the rest of the season! Lee, Illinois

我即將第一次到馬德里旅遊。你有任何推薦的餐廳嗎？

RN: Yes I have many favourite restaurants. I love a Basque one called “Imanol” and also an Argentinian one called “de Maria”. Very good meat and/or fish at both. Enjoy Madrid – it is a great city, lots of fun and lots of things to do.

是的，我有許多喜歡的餐廳。我喜歡一間叫做Imanol的巴斯克餐廳，還有一間叫de Maria的阿根廷餐廳。

有很棒的肉類食物跟魚。好好享受馬德里 - 它是個很棒的城市，很有趣，也有很多可以做的事情。

4. Feliz año nuevo…I wanted to know if you believe in making new year resolutions, and if so what was one of yours? Mucha suerte, Ambar, NYC

我想知道你是否相信訂下新年計畫，如果是，其中一個是什麼？

RN: Many thanks and same to you. No specific resolutions. Just to continue the good line on a personal level.

沒有特別的。就是要在個人層次上繼續保持在好的方向。

5. Did you receive any special Christmas presents this year? What was your favourite? Kim, London

今年你有收到什麼特別的耶誕禮物嗎？你最喜歡的是什麼？

RN: I did, from my father I got a thing (don’t know the English name!) for the watches to keep them in

有，是我父親送我讓我收納手錶的東西(我不知道它的英文名稱!) 。

6. What did you think of the snow in Mallorca in December? Christy

你覺得十二月在Mallorca的雪如何？

RN: It did snow but in the small mountains. It is not often it snows in Mallorca but it is nice to see it when it happens. I think it was the first time I’ve seen it and for sure it is not normal to see it in December.

是會下雪，但是在小山上。在Mallorca不常下雪，但看到下雪的時候感覺很棒。我想這是我第一次看到，

當然在十二月看到下雪不大正常。

 ＃4 Tue. 18th January,2011

Working on my serve still leaves time for dinner with Kylie
Rafael Nadal

練習發球還是有時間跟Kylie吃晚餐

Hi everyone,

大家好

The first round is over almost for everyone and that means that already half of the draw is out of the competition. This is the thing about tennis: 128 players were here to start the main draw but after only two days of competition there is only half of the draw left. It went well for me today since I won the match pretty fast. I am sorry for Marcos [Daniel] who had to retire: it is always an uncomfortable situation since I felt bad for him. He is a nice guy and I hope he recovers well and soon.

第一輪比賽幾乎都結束了，那代表著籤表上有一半的球員已經失去競爭。這就是網球：128名球員來到這裡

開始籤表上的賽程，但只要兩天的競爭之後，籤表就只剩下一半的名字。今天的比賽發展對我來說很不錯，

因為我很快地就贏得比賽。我很遺憾Marcos [Daniel] 必須退賽：這是個令人不舒服的情況，我為他感到

難過。他是個很好的人，希望他能早日康復。

Since the match didn't last too much and also considering I served not that well at the beginning of the second set, I decided to go out and serve for 30 minutes. I felt well after that and was happy after. I got some rhythm on my serve again.

因為比賽沒有持續太久，而我也認為在第二盤開始我的發球狀況不大好，我決定去練習發球30分鐘。在那

之後我感覺好多了，也覺得很高興。我再次找到了發球的節奏。

Rafa


Ｑ＆Ａ

1. I bought a piece of the court you played on for your foundation - it was a great idea to raise money. Do you have any other fundraising activities planned? - Juliette, UK

我買了一片你為基金會所打的比賽的球場地板片 - 這是個募款的好點子。你有任何其他計畫中的募款

活動嗎？

RN: Hi Juliette, many thanks for this. I hope you liked the piece and that you are happy. The money is going to a good cause and the foundation will do well for kids. We are planning other things but will let people know.

嗨Juliette，非常感謝你，我希望你喜歡這一片場地片且覺得開心。已經募得不錯的金額，並且基金會將會妥善

用在孩子們身上。我們有在計畫其他的事情，你們以後就會知道了。

2. My question is, what do you like most about being on tour apart from playing tennis? Do you get time to do fun things in the cities you are staying? All the best for the Australian Open! - Jamie

我想問的是除了打網球之外，在比賽期間你最喜歡做什麼？你會找時間在你停留的城市裡做些有趣的

事情嗎？

RN: I don't have that much time anymore to visit. I like to go out at night to restaurants and enjoy the food with my team and other players.

我沒什麼時間去逛逛。我喜歡在晚上和我的團隊與其他球員一起外出用餐。

3. Why did you decide to model underwear for Armani? Surely it wasn’t just for the money? Was the photoshoot fun? – Liana, Greece

你為什麼決定要當Armani內衣模特兒？當然不只是為了錢？拍照有趣嗎？

RN: The shoots are never that much fun, to be honest. I am a tennis player and I like sports, not really photo shoots. I decided to go with Armani since the idea is fun and it is a great brand to be with. Very happy with the decision.

老實說，拍照從來不怎麼有趣。我是個網球選手而我熱愛運動，而不是拍照。我決定要跟Armani合作是因為

這是有趣的想法，而且它是個值得合作的好品牌。我很高興做了這個決定。

4. Hola Rafa! I am impressed with the different modes of transport that have been laid on for you to get you to tournament sites. The boat along the Thames to go to the WTF, the helicopter in Toronto, as well as the usual tournament cars. What’s your favourite mode of transport? - Love, Julie

我對於你搭乘不同類型到比賽地點的交通工具印象深刻。在年終賽時搭乘沿泰晤士河而走的船、在多倫多時

搭直昇機，還有一般的車子。你最喜歡哪一種交通工具？

RN: Walking from the house I rent in Wimbledon to the tournament site. Really!

在溫布頓時從我的租屋處走去比賽地點。真的！

5. Dear Rafa - I notice that sometimes you train with other players - Feli López, Novak Djokovic etc. Do you ask the other players to train with you or do other people arrange the training sessions for you? Good luck for your first round match! - Qing Qing, China

我注意到有時候你會跟其他球員一起訓練 -  例如Feli López, Novak Djokovic。是你詢問其他球員和你

一起訓練還是是其他人幫你安排訓練課程？

RN: It depends. Normally I ask other players or they ask me, or Toni takes care of it, or the tournament finds me someone, or the ATP, it depends. Many ways.

看情況。一般來說是我去詢問其他球員或是他們來問我，或者交給Toni來安排，也或者是賽事主辦單位、ATP幫我

找人，有很多種方式，要看情況而定。

6. Hi Rafa! Congratulations for your amazing 2010 season, I wish you many more like this one! For how many years have you been playing golf? What or who gave you the idea to play golf, and how did you learn? Bonne chance pour l'Open d'Australie! - Mathilde, France

你打高爾夫球打了幾年？是什麼或者是誰讓你有打高爾夫球的主意，你是怎麼學習的？

RN: I love to play golf, really enjoy it. I have been playing for some years now and my uncles (Miguel Angel, Rafael and Toni) got me into it.

我喜歡打高爾夫球，真的很享受。我已經打了好幾年，是我叔叔(Miguel Angel, Rafael 和 Toni) 帶我去打的。

7. I noticed Kylie Minogue watched one of your matches at the World Tour Finals. Do you have many famous friends? If so, who do you like to spend time with? – Veronica, New South Wales

我注意到Kylie Minogue在年終賽時有去看一場你的比賽。你有很多名人好友嗎？如果是的話，你最常和誰

在一起？

RN: Yes she did. She and her boyfriend came to one of my matches. Andres, her boyfriend came for dinner with us one night and he was very nice. I was happy to see them.

是的，她有來。她跟她男朋友一起來看了一場比賽。她男友Andres和我們一起吃了一頓晚餐，他人很好。我很開心

能見到他們。

8. Hi Rafa. If you don't mind, I read that you have been with your girlfriend since you were 14. Your sister introduced you, is that true? - Cedrine

如果你不介意的話，我讀到說你跟你女朋友Xisca是從你14歲的時候就在一起，她是你妹妹介紹的，這是真

的嗎？

RN: Not true. We have been for almost 5 years together and I am 24 turning 25 this year.

不是真的。我們在一起快五年了，而我今年是24快25歲。

9. Hi Rafa - firstly good luck for the next two weeks at the Australian Open. I am always amazed at your ability to recall stats and scorelines even from matches you played a long time ago. So I'm wondering was this ability to remember things as good when it came to school, like when revising for exams, or is it only good where tennis is concerned? Thank you and again best of luck. - Debbie, Ireland

我很驚豔於你回憶你比賽數據跟比分的能力，即使是很久之前的比賽。所以我好奇當你讀書的時候，像是

複習考試，你的記憶力是否也一樣好，還是只有在網球方面而已？

RN: Hi Debbie, many thanks for your message. Let's hope I am here two weeks. I have a good memory, actually very, very good. I remember almost everything.

Hi Debbir，非常感謝你的留言，希望我能留在這裡兩個星期。我有很好的記憶力，事實上是非常非常好。我幾乎

記得所有事情。

10. Hi Rafa! So you regret buying the Aston Martin.. what about the Harley Davidson, is that also a regret? - Kim, London

你後悔買了Aston Martin。那你是不是也後悔買了Harley Davidsion呢？

RN: I do actually. Regarding the Harley, it is a long story but I still haven't used it! Will let you know.

事實上是的。說到Harlay，又是一段很長的故事了，但我還沒有騎過它！我會再告訴你們這個故事。

(以下from Herald Sun)

11. I ADMIRE your passion for the sport and your constant determination as a player! Your movement on the court will never fail to amaze me! I just want to know though, what it is that you love the most about tennis? And what keeps you motivated as a player? Thank you and good luck for the tournament. Olivia of Victoria

我佩服你對運動的熱情以及你身為一名球員穩固的決心！你在球場上的移動永遠讓我驚豔！我只想要知道

你最喜歡網球的什麼地方？而你身為球員，是什麼持續激勵著你？

RN: Many thanks, Olivia, for your kind words. I love almost everything in tennis, ’specially the competition. I love to do that and to have that feeling. And the motivation comes to be a better player so that I can compete at the highest level, improve and win.

非常感謝你所說的。幾乎網球的一切我都熱愛，尤其是競賽。我喜歡比賽也喜歡比賽的感覺。而動機則來自於要

成為一名更優秀的球員，因此我能夠打出更高水準的網球、進步並且贏球。

12. Rafa how much weight training do you do? Oliver, email

你做了多少的重訓？

RN: Not much. Only some specific program to help on my movements and compensation. But not much. Most of my practise is on court and some very short and specific programs to help me improve movements and prevent injuries.

不多。只有一些特定的課程來協助跟補充我的移動狀況。但是並不多。大部分的練習是在球場上，以及一些非常短

而特定的課程是來幫助我改善我的移動，並且避免受傷。

13. Who is your favourite women's tennis player? Patrick, Victoria

你最喜歡的女子網球選手是誰？

RN: Kim Clijsters, Ana Ivanovic and the Spanish players.

Kim Cllijsters、Ana Ivanovic跟西班牙球員。

14. You are so calm on those tough points. Do you meditate? Eva R, email

你在那些困難時刻保持的十分的冷靜。你會進行冥想嗎？

RN: I am not sure what you mean by meditate. But I do think a lot about matches and points.

我不確定你指的冥想是什麼。但我確實會想很多比賽跟分數。

15. When did you decide you were going to completely devote yourself to becoming a successful & professional tennis player? Kali Fabiatos, email

你是何時決定成為一名成功的職業網球選手？

RN: When I was around 12 or 13. Had to chose between football and tennis since I didn't have enough time to practise both.

當我大概12、13歲的時候。因為我沒有時間同時練習網球跟足球，所以必須要從中選擇一個。

16. As a huge fan of yours, I was wondering, would you ever consider writing an autobiography? And if so, what would you call it? Sam Leaman, Launceston, Tasmania

身為你的超級球迷，我想知道你是否曾經考慮過要寫一本自傳？如果有，你會怎麼命名？

RN: Yes. Stay tuned.

是的。靜候佳音。

17. Hi Rafa, you rock. Does music play a big part in your life? What is your favourite song on your ipod? B and H Munro, Melbourne

音樂在你的生命中佔有很重要的地位嗎？在你的ipod裡，你最喜歡的歌是哪一首？

RN: Yes I love music, I listen to it all the time. But I wouldn't be able to tell you just one song. I have many, especially Spanish speaking music.

是的，我熱愛音樂，我總是在聽音樂。但我無法只選出一首歌。我喜歡很多歌曲，尤其是西文歌。

18. How do you get such a top spin forehand? I try to practise evey day but I cannot get as much top spin as you get. Chris Cutajar . Deer Park

你是如何打出那麼旋的正拍上旋球？我每天都嘗試去練習，但我沒辦法像你的上旋球那麼有旋度。

RN: I don't know. I suppose with time you get it. But I have no secret. Hit it hard and strong, maybe?

我不知道。我想你需要時間。但我沒什麼秘訣，也許紮實且用力的擊球。

19. Rafa, who taught you your mental toughness! Billy, email

是誰教會你強韌的心理素質！

RN: You work every detail of the game and the mental part also. It is an excise you do since you are a kid and also something you work at practice.

努力在比賽的每一個細節以及心理層面。那是一種活動從小開始的練習，也是平時練習所努力去做的。

20. During your down-time off the court; do you ever think about how your life will be after tennis and in the near future? Roanna Sanelli, Victoria

在你賽季休息的時候，你曾經想過在未來你不打網球時，你的生活會是什麼樣子？

RN: No, not really.

不，並沒有。

21. Do you still think Roger Federer is the man to beat? The way you are playing at the moment you look unbeatable. Kevin Smith, Melbourne

你仍舊認為Roger Federer是你的主要對手嗎？你現在的打發看起來是難以擊敗的。

RN: Yes.

是的。

22. I went past the tennis precinct on late Friday night (around 2am) and saw many players training with their support staff. Is it normal for players to train this late, and what times do you prefer? Navee Sandhu, Rowville

上星期五晚上(大概凌晨兩點)我經過網球場，看到很多球員跟他們的教練團仍在進行訓練。球員們這麼

晚還在練習是正常的嗎，而你喜歡什麼時候練習？

RN: I have never seen that. 2am! It is too late even for me.

 我從來沒有看過。凌晨兩點！對我來說太晚了。

＃5 Wed. 19th January,2011

Life is a beach for me in Melbourne
Rafael Nadal

墨爾本的生活對我來說是海灘。

Hi everyone.

大家好。

I did something today that to be very honest with you, I'd never done before.

我要非常老實地跟你們說，我今天做了件以前我從未做過的事情

I had practice this morning not too early (11am) and then decided to go to the beach and have lunch with my team at a restaurant there, next to the sea. Most of my fans know I love the sea and I today it was a nice day and we decided to go there.

It is different from Majorca but we had a great time, we ate some nice fish and then we came back to the hotel since I have a meeting with Adam Helfant, the CEO of the ATP to talk about some things related to our sport.

今天早上我沒有太早去練球(11am)，之後我決定要去海邊，並且和我的團隊在海邊的餐廳用午餐。我大部份的

球迷都知道我熱愛海洋，今天的天氣很好，我們決定要去那裡。

這裡和Majorca不一樣，但是我們有段美好的時光，我們享受了些好吃的魚，之後因為我和ATP主席Adam

Helfant有約，於是我們回到飯店，討論了一些關於網球運動的事項。

A nice day I have to say that gives me the energy for tomorrow's match. Hope everything goes well.

Thanks for your support.

我必須說這美好的一天給了我明天比賽的能量。希望一切都會很好。

謝謝你們的支持。

Rafa.


If I wasn't a tennis player I'd be the king of the swingers

如果我不是個網球選手，我會是時尚寵兒。

Ｑ＆Ａ

1.Hola Rafa, does all the adulation, fame, money, championships ever overwhelm you and make you think 'how did I manage to get here at such a young age'? Ganesh, India

是否所有的奉承、名氣、金錢、冠軍頭銜曾經掩沒你，並且使你思考過「我怎麼會這麼年輕就達到

這個成就」？

RN: No, I don't pay attention to those things. I just enjoy playing tennis, I love the sport and I try my best. I never thought I could get so far but I always knew i wanted to play tennis, become a professional and started setting up goals. So far I ma very happy and have to be very thankful.

不，我沒有注意那些事情。我只享受在打網球上，我熱愛這項運動，並且我盡全力做到最好。我從來沒想過

我能有這番成就，但我一向知道我想要打網球、成為一名職業選手並且開始設定我的目標。到目前為止，

我非常開心並且非常感恩。

2. Apart from the Aston Martin, what do you consider to be your biggest mistake? Frank, UK

除了Aston Martin之外，你認為什麼是你犯過最大的錯誤？

RN: Wow, this car thing is really something, huhhh? I have made mistakes but that one probably was the biggest one, let's put it like this.

Wow，這台車真是個錯誤，huhhh？我犯過不少錯，但那也許是最大的一個了。

3. When you are in Australia, will you be doing anything to help the flood victims in Queensland? Your work with Federer and others at the exhibition match for the Haiti earthquake fund was amazing. All the best! Sharon Lam

當你在澳洲的時候，你會做些什麼幫助發生在昆士蘭的洪災呢？你跟Federer和其他球員為了海地大地震

時的募款表演賽很精彩。

RN: We already played that exhibition on Sunday and we managed to collect some good money to help.

我們已經在星期天打了一場表演賽，並且我們募得不錯的款項。

4. I used to see many pictures of you and your team kicking around a tennis ball on the tennis court after practice; however I don’t see pictures of you guys playing anymore. Have you stopped – and why? Zine

我以前看過你和你的團隊在練習後，在網球場上踢球的相片；然而我再沒有看到你們踢球的照片了。你們

停了這項活動了嗎 - 為什麼？

RN: No, not at all but we dn't always do it. It is a good exercise. The problem is to find good partners.... hahahaha

不，沒有停，但我們沒有每次都這麼做。這是不錯的活動。問題是要找到好隊友....哈哈哈哈

5. I’m Spaniard (54 years old) and I’m just trying to improve my English to understand better your interviews around the world and also to be able to speak with other fans of yours… I’m wondering if you still take English classes or it is enough for you to practice English in your travels? You have all my support, Rafa, you can do it, good luck in AO!! ¡VAMOS! Un besazo desde Madrid. Rosi

我是個西班牙人(54歲)而我剛開始嘗試要改進我的英文，好能更瞭解你在世界各地的訪問，也能夠和其他

你的球迷交談...我想知道你是否仍然有在上英文課，或者對你來說當你巡迴比賽時練習英文已經足夠了？

RN: I never took classes but I am always trying to learn, listen a lot, sometimes Benito and other of my team help me. You know, traveling the world you need to speak English so the traveling has given me the chance to improve.

我從來沒有上課，但我持續努力地多練習也多聽，有時候Benito跟團隊中的其他成員也會幫我。你知道的，在巡迴

時你會需要說英文，所以巡迴比賽給了我進步的機會。

6. Congratulations on your 2010 year and all the best for 2011! I love watching you and Marc Lopez play doubles...will he join you at Indian Wells? And if you weren’t playing with Marc, who would you most like to play alongside? Terry

我喜歡看你和Marc Lopez打雙打比賽...你們會搭檔打Indian Wells嗎？如果你不會跟Marc搭檔，誰會

是你最想搭檔的人？

RN: Thanks. I enjoy playing with him. Yes i'll play with him there, normally.

謝謝。我很享受跟他一起比賽。是的，常理我會跟他一起搭檔打Indian Wells。

7. All the best for you match tomorrow. I will be cheering for you. I would love to know how would you describe your own fashion style? Love,Joana!

我想要知道你會如何描述你自己的時尚風格？

RN: No description I suppose. I dont know how to describe it to be honest. I suppose I like the colours since I am from Spain, maybe that?

我想是沒有描述。老實說我不知道要怎麼描述。我想我熱愛色彩，因為我是來自西班牙，也許是那樣？

8. Glad you seem to be over your illness in Doha. How hard is it to recover when you are banned from taking certain medications due to drug tests? Love from Clare & the Rafateers

很高興你在多哈時的病似乎是好了。當你因為藥物測試的緣故而被禁止使用某些藥物時，要恢復健康有

多困難？

RN: As you know we are very limited on what we can take, In the case of Doha I had to take antibiotics and that's quite not comfortable.

誠如你們所知道的，我們在可以使用的藥物上非常受到限制，在多哈時，我必須要吃抗生素，而那相當的不舒服。

9. If you had to choose another sport other than tennis to play professionally, what would it be? Golf? Matt, UK

如果你必須選擇其他網球之外的職業運動，你會選擇什麼？高爾夫球？

RN: Football or nowadays golf.

足球或是現今的高爾夫。

＃6 Thur. 20th January,2011

Lots of sushi and lots of sleep ...
Rafael Nadal

很多壽司跟睡了很多...

Hi everyone, Just came from dinner and wanted to write a few words to you.
We had a nice dinner here nearby the hotel. No match tomorrow, so some good sushi. We are staying at a hotel where basically you have all kind of restaurants. This is good since it is convenient but at the same time we tend not to go out much.
I have been 10 days here in Melbourne and not really gone out of this place. Have to change that! If I am here in 2 nights I think I’ll change!

大家好，剛吃完晚餐回來，想要寫些什麼給你們。

我在飯店附近吃了一頓美味的晚餐。明天沒有比賽，所以吃了些美味的壽司。基本上在我們住的飯店附近有

各類型的餐廳。這樣的便利很棒，但同時我們往往不常在外用餐。

我已經在墨爾本待了十天，而我並沒有真正的外出逛逛。必須改變了！如果我還會在這裡待兩個晚上，我想

我會去改變！

Tomorrow I am practicing at 11 so that leaves me time to sleep until at least 9.30 so not bad.
Can’t complaint.

明天我11點要去練習，所以至少可以睡到九點半，還不賴。沒什麼好抱怨的。

Rafa

The three things I simply can't travel without
Rafael Nadal

三件我在旅行時不能缺少的東西

Ｑ＆Ａ

1. Hi Rafa after every match you say that there is still room for improvement, which part of your game do you think you need to improve the most? native3

每場比賽之後你都會說還有進步的空間，在你球技的哪一個部份是你認為最需要改進的？

RN: I think the position on court and maybe to play a bit more aggressive.

我想是在場上的站位以及也許是要打得更有侵略性。

2. G’day Rafa! Muchas Gracias for writing from Melbourne and for replying to our questions....good on you. As with your first round match against Marcos Daniel, your second round match against Ryan Sweeting is the second match on the Rod Laver court...do you prefer playing your matches during the day or at night ..or do you not have any preference? Many thanks, Niamh, Ireland

和你首輪對上Marcos Daniel的比賽一樣，第二輪對上Ryan Sweeting是你在Rod Laver球場的

第二場比賽。你喜歡打日場還是夜場比賽...或是你沒有任何的偏好？

RN: Hi there. I prefer the day since it is warm and I like the sun. But I know I will have to play soon a night match, probably the one on Saturday! You’ll see! :-)

我喜歡打日場，因為天氣溫暖而且我喜歡陽光。但我知道我很快會打夜場比賽，可能是星期六的那場！你們

看看就知道了。

3. Rafa, as you spend so much of your year living out of a suitcase, which three things do you always like to have with you? Love Shani

你長年都帶著行李箱在外生活，哪三樣東西是你喜歡一直帶在身邊的？

RN: Music for sure, my lap top computer and my tennis stuff

音樂是一定要的，還有我的筆電以及網球裝備。

4. Rafa. It is always a pleasure reading your blogs! Wish you a healthy and successful season:) I am curious what was it like playing water tennis in the ocean in Doha with Roger.It looked kind of bizarre:) Megy, Bulgaria

我好奇和Roger在多哈時在海上打水上網球是什麼樣。看起來有點怪異:)

RN: Thanks, It was fun, something different that we did to publicize the launch of the new ATP season. The problem is that there is where I got my cold!

謝謝，很有趣，那是我們為了宣傳ATP新球季開始的特別活動。問題是那裡是讓我感冒的地方！

5. Rafa, it has been reported that you aren’t very keen on dogs. Do you like other animals — have you ever held a koala bear while in Australia? Good luck in your next match — vamos! Love Sam

有報導說你對狗並不是很有興趣。你有喜歡其他動物嗎 - 在澳洲的時候，你曾經抱過無尾熊嗎？

RN: Yes I do but not to have them at home. I have had the chance in the past to see the Koala and it is quite cool!

是的，但不是在家飼養。我過去有機會去看無尾熊，牠相當酷！

6. Hola Rafa! We quite often see you with your Quely biscuits. However, an excellent biscuit is to be found in Australia called “Tim Tams”. Have you tried them?? Love, Jules

我們很常看到你帶著Quely餅乾。然而，澳洲有一種很棒的餅乾叫做"Tim Tams"。你有吃過嗎？

RN: I always have them with me. I eat them since I am a little kid and I have them at every place and every tournament I go to since they send me a whole box every week. I will try those you mention but I am more than sure that they won’t be better than the Quely’s :-)

我一直都隨身攜帶Quely。從我還是個小孩子的時候我就開始吃了，而且我去每個地方、每個賽事都會帶著，因為

他們每個禮拜都會寄給我一整箱。我會試看看你提到的餅乾，但我很確定那不會比Quely好吃。

＃7 Fri. 21st January,2011

1. Hi Rafa, I have an aeropro drive with rpm blast strings but what tension is good for those strings? Also what tension do you use? Trent Jones, Victoria

我有一把aeropro drive想穿rpm blast線，但應該適合穿幾磅呢？你是穿幾磅的呢？

RN: It depends on how you play and what you want. I use 25kg. You have more control with more kilos and more power with less. I would go for 24, 25, or even a bit less. Depends on your strength.

要看你的打法以及你的需求。我是穿25kg。穿磅數高一點的話，你得要有較好的控制力，而穿磅數低一點的，則要

較大的力量。我都穿24、25，或是再少一點，要視你的力量而定。

2. Hola Rafa! Muchas Gracias for replying to questions for us, your very lucky fans. Rafa, which questions from fans do you prefer replying to....questions about tennis or questions about other things, apart from tennis? Niamh Kearney, Ireland

你比較喜歡回答球迷關於網球的問題還是除了網球以外的事情？

RN: It is up to you. I don't like to talk about politics and things like that. I enjoy answering what people want to know, really.

你們決定。我不喜歡討論關於政治之類的事情。我很喜歡回答你們想知道的事情，真的。

3. What do you do when you get a day off from tennis when you are in Melbourne? Sarah, Craigieburn

在墨爾本不用比賽的休息日時會做些什麼？

RN: I had the chance to go to St Kilda yesterday for a nice lunch at a restaurant on the beach. Very nice!

昨天我有機會到St Kilda，在海邊的餐廳享受一頓美味的午餐。非常棒！

4. You play physical tennis, your movements around the court are extensive. Do you think you can hold up this style till you are 28 or 29 or do you foresee a change in game play? Bala, Singapore

你打的是仰賴體能的網球，你在球場上的移動範圍非常廣。你認為到你28、29歲的時候，你還能夠維持

這種風格，還是你預期在打法上會有所改變？

RN: I hope so. I am still young. In the press conference I had a lot of questions like this!

我希望如此。我還年輕。在記者會上我被問到像這樣的問題很多次！

5. When you were about 12 or 13 how did you have a private coach or was it with your uncle Toni? Grace Joyce, email

當你大約12、13歲的時候，你是有私人教練或者就是Toni叔呢？

RN: It has always been my uncle Toni. I have never had another coach apart from Francis Roig, who also is with me nowadays when Toni doesn't travel.

一直都是我的叔叔Toni。除了Francis Roig在Toni沒有跟我一起巡迴的時候時陪同我之外，我從來沒有過其他

的教練。

6. How are you feeling, as you had a fever in Qatar, I hope you’re better :) Heather Majurey-Lombardo, Sydney

因為你在卡達的時候發燒了，現在感覺如何，希望你好多了:)

RN: I am good, many thanks.

我很好，非常感謝。

7. Who is your all-time favourite tennis player that you never got to play with or against? Evan Fabiatos, Melbourne

誰是你最喜歡卻從來沒有合作或交手過的球員？

RN: I never had this all-time favourite. I had the chance to play with Moya, who was the guy I was looking at when I was growing up.

我從來沒有最喜歡的。我曾有機會跟Moya搭檔，他是我在成長過程中的楷模。

8. Rafa, if you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you like to take with you? Qing Qing, email

如果你被困在荒島上，哪三樣東西是你想要帶在身邊的？

RN: Never thought about that, I just don't think it is going to happen so....

我從來沒有想過這個問題，我不認為有可能會發生這種事情....

9. Have you ever considered playing football professionally? I've seen your charity matches and I reckon you have great potential and a deadly left foot. Ganen, London

你曾經考慮過當職業足球員嗎？我看過你的慈善表演賽，而我判斷你很有潛力而且擁有黃金左腳。

RN: No, no, too late. I wouldn't have minded when I was a kid. But I think I made the right choice to play tennis.

不，太遲了。當我還是小孩子的時候，我不介意選擇足球。但我想打網球是正確的決定。

10. I've heard that you wear your shoes 2 sizes too small, is this true and if so, what advantage does this give you on the court? Doesn't it hurt your feet? Sydney Eaker, Central Coast

我聽說你穿小兩號的球鞋，是真的嗎，如果是，這樣讓你在球場上有什麼優勢嗎？不會傷腳嗎？

RN: No, not true. I wear my size, but I have a small foot compared to other tennis players.

不，不是真的。我是穿我的尺寸，但跟其他球員比起來，我的腳算小。

11. Rafa, who is the person you admire most in the world? Heather Peirce, Yarraville

世界上你最崇拜的人是誰？

RN: I can tell you it is in my family....

我可以告訴你是我家人。

12. Would you ever swim in the Yarra River to celebrate an Australian Open win like Jim Courier did? Phil Corgirl, Golden Square

你曾經像Jim Courier一樣，用在亞拉河中游泳作為慶祝贏下澳網冠軍嗎？

RN: Nope. But my team did when I won here two years ago.

不。但在我兩年前贏下澳網的時候，我的團隊們有這麼做。

13. Is Australia your favourite country to visit on the tennis circuit? Leanne Sharpe, Shepparton

在網球巡迴時，澳洲是你會喜歡到訪的國家嗎？

RN: Definitely one of my favourites. It is a great country and the people are very nice!

絕對是我最喜歡的國家之一。這是個很棒的國家，而且這裡的人都非常友好！

14. Roger Federer has been criticised as a cry baby after winning at Melbourne Park. What do you think of his tears? Bill Boss, Brisbane

Roger Federer曾在墨爾本公園贏球後被評為一個愛哭鬼。你怎麼看他的眼淚？

RN: I don't think people should criticise. It is not healthy, doesn't take you anywhere. Roger is a great guy and doesn't deserve to be criticised.

我不認為人們應該批評他。這不健康也沒有意義。Roger是個好人，他不該這樣被批評。

＃8 Sat. 22nd January,2011

When the going starts to get tough . . .
Rafael Nadal

當開始遭遇困難...

Hello everyone,

大家好，

I am writing this blog just before having lunch and getting ready for tonight's match. I'll have a light lunch with some pasta and some fish, not too much although the match is going to be almost 6/7 hours (it is 1:48 pm as I write here in Melbourne).

I know it is not going to be an easy match since it looks like all night matches are finals and things get more difficult than usual. As you can see almost all night matches here have been tough, very tough for the favorite.

In any case I am playing well, I am feeling well and I am confident. Hopefully things will continue like this.

Thanks.

我是在吃午餐並且準備前往今晚的比賽之前寫下這篇部落格。我會吃得比較清淡，吃點義大利麵跟魚，不會吃太多，

雖然距離比賽還有大概6、7個小時（現在是澳洲時間是下午1:48）。

我知道將不會是一場輕鬆的比賽，因為每場夜間比賽看起來都像決賽一樣，比平常還更加困難。你們可以看到幾乎

所有夜場比賽都為奪冠熱門的選手帶來不少的麻煩。

無論如何我會打好比賽，我感覺很好而且我有信心。希望能像這樣持續下去。

謝謝

Rafa

Ｑ＆Ａ

1. Hi Rafa. When I was watching your 2010 US Open final, both Martina Navratilova and Jimmy Connors said that they're surprised that you never hit yourself on the head with your racket because of your follow-through. So, have you ever done that during a match or a practice? I hope not! Best of luck at the Australian Open :) Samiyah, USA

當我看你2010美網決賽時，Martina Navratilova跟Jimmy Connors說他們很驚訝你因為堅持

而從不曾用球拍敲你的頭。所以你曾經在比賽或練習時做過嗎？我希望沒有！

RN: No, not really. I am pretty calm!

不，沒有。我還滿冷靜的！

2. Hola Rafa :) I mentioned to you in a previous Blog that I was learning to play tennis. Unfortunately I have picked up a shoulder injury that is stopping me from playing. What do you suggest I do in order to keep myself fit? Many thanks for this blog & good luck in your next match. Love Clare x

我在你以前的部落格中提過我在學網球。不幸的是肩傷使得我得停止打球。你建議我可以做什麼來維持身材呢？

RN: Go and see a doctor and get the right treatment. Don't push too much. They will know what's best for you.

去看醫生，並且接受正確的治療。不要太逼迫自己。他們會知道什麼是對你最好的。

3. Hola Rafa!! After your second-round match you said that in your downtime, you'd like to go to the aquarium. When I visited Melbourne, I didn't go although I was told it was amazing. Why do you find it so particularly fascinating? Love, Wooffs

RN: I love the sea and I love fish. I enjoy very much watching everything there. The penguins were funny and amazing. But the whole thing is really cool.

4. You look extremely sexy in the Armani photos. Do you plan on doing more stuff like this in the future? Lola Myme

RN: Thanks. Not sure this is what I want to do. I prefer to play tennis.

5. I hear a famous writer is following you during the tournament, so tell me, when they make the movie...who is going to play...Toni :) I say Antonio Bandaras! Keep doing what you do, you are an inspiration. Thank you and good luck, Sharon

RN: Not anymore. He left before the tournament started. We spent some time in Doha, and here in Melbourne. Now it is time for competition. Movie? what movie?

6. Rafa, I'd entered the contest on Facebook where Nike had offered to put the names of 200 fans on your bag, and I noticed stuff written on your Nike bag after your match against Sweeting...I wonder if those are the 200 names? :) Mohona, India

RN: :-)

7. How difficult is it to play someone who is carrying an injury and may quit during the match. Does it make it more difficult to concentrate on your own game? Shani xx

RN: You simply have to focus on your game until the end of the match no matter what it is. After it is over it is sad to see if someone retires due to injury. Not nice to win like this.

＃8 Sun. 23rd January,2011

Cilic will be tough test for me
Rafael Nadal

Hi all,

Short one today since it got late and I have to go to sleep. Lots of people talking about me sweating and losing weight. I am well, still suffering a bit from the cold I had in Doha.

Tomorrow I know it will be one of those very difficult matches, since I played Cilic once and he beat me. We'll see and hopefully I can continue blogging from Melbourne. It sort of brings me good luck!

Thanks all

Rafa

I wouldn't change a thing about my life
Rafael Nadal

Ｑ＆Ａ

1. There was a clip of you on channel IB3 practicing in Manacor and your little cousins were there too. One said they want to win a trophy later. I was just wondering if your cousins have shown a real interest in tennis and whether they have started to practice seriously with your uncle Toni as coach? Cedrine.

RN: Yes, they love to play tennis and Toni when he is at home.

2. Hi Rafa. Firstly, congratulations on your brilliant 2010 season, and secondly, good luck for the rest of this year and your time at the Australian Open. I am wondering, does playing a new and up and coming player such as Sweeting excite you, when you know relatively little about the player and their style? Does it keep tennis fresh for you in the sense that you don't really know what to expect when you play them? Or do you prefer playing someone you are more familiar with and know their playing style? Thank you. Deborah, Northern Ireland.

RN: It is always difficult to play players you have not seen before and that happens often at Grand Slam events since the draw is bigger.

3. Hi Rafa, hope you continue your run of good form at slams. I read Tom Oldfied's biography of you and I found it wasn't very good. Do you have someone writing one for you or are there any biographies of you currently in the bookshops that you are happy about? I am talking about English ones. I can't read Spanish unfortunately. If you have the choice, who would you ask to write your biography? Thanks. Sharon Lam.

RN: Thanks. I don't know who Tom Oldfield is so I don't understand how someone can write a biography of someone without knowing the person. I have never seen him or even heard of him, imagine! Hope that answers the rest of the question too. I am having someone that will write something soon but I will let you know when it is time. It will be in English too

4. Dear Rafa! Have you been playing the Playstation in Melbourne? I remember last year you and Pico Monaco beat Moya and you blogged about it.   Wendy, Melbourne.

RN: Yes I have, but not soccer since I don't have it here. I played Gran Turismo, also competed against Marc Lopez on this.

5. Hi Rafa, Bernard Tomic gave you a difficult match and looks like a player who could challenge for slams in the future. Which other young players do you think we should keep an eye out for? Martin, USA.

RN: Yes, Tomic is a very talented player. I am sure he will be up there in the future if he does things right.

6. Hola Rafa. Which is your favourite country to visit on the tour and why? Brett, Melbourne.

RN: I enjoy many places and countries, and specially Australia I have to say. But I try to take also the best of other places and enjoy!

7. You said earlier you always carry music with you. What music do you listen to, and what sort of things do you have on your laptop? Mark, Scotland.

RN: Spanish music in general and also some dance, pop music

8. Rafa, you have got a great life, but if you could change one thing about it, what would it be? Stevo, Sydney.

RN: I wouldn't change anything of my life at the moment.

＃9 Mon. 24th January,2011

Match against Cilic was cause for concern

Hi all,

I am back at the hotel after a tough match. I think I played one of my best matches, definitely the best so far here in Melbourne and I am happy since I was a bit worried about this match.

I am now back at my hotel and have had some room service. While waiting I am watching some YouTube videos of past tennis champions and also some documentaries. It is something amazing, YouTube. It is something you start watching and you can't stop. One thing brings you to another and sometimes I go to bed really late because of that. Since I also bought an adaptor that goes from my laptop to the TV, I also have the chance to see it on a big screen!

Tomorrow I practice at 1 pm so I am now going to bed after a quick dinner.

Thanks all for the support.

Rafa

Hitting the right notes against Tomic

Ｑ＆Ａ

1. I read your interview after the Tomic match where you say you sweat and feel more tired than usual and that you might not be fully recovered from the virus you caught in Doha. I myself I'm suffering from a virus right now and can only imagine what it must be like going out there to play at least three intense sets! I am worried for you. What precautions are you taking on your days off? Cedrine

RN: Nothing special since the tests went well. I actually sweat much less today. Hope you get better soon.

2. Hola Rafa, I totally share your love for the sun and the sand (I can't stand cold places and hate the winter!), and I was wondering... apart from the beach(es) in Mallorca, if there's any other beach that you really like? By the way, you should totally visit India for the beaches! We have hundreds, and the best ones are in Goa :) Love, Mohona, India

RN: Thanks for the tip. Maybe one day. So far I have only been in Chennai playing tennis and recently for the school we opened.

3. Hi Rafa, Hope you keep on winning in Australia. Great work in beating Tomic. During that match, the commentator said you changed shirts 5 times. What is the highest number of shirt changing in one match for you? Thanks for answering questions. Stay healthy. When you are healthy, no one can beat you. Sharon, Leatherhead, UK

RN: Many thanks. I think that has probably been one of the matches I changed the most!

4. Hola Rafa!! I have been very impressed by some of the sports photography taken of you at this tournament. Do you or anyone within the family keep scrapbooks of your matches and your career to date? Love, Julie xx

RN: Yes, Benito and Carlos do keep a good digital book.

5. Hola Rafael! First, I wanted to tell you that you are such an amazing champion with a wonderful personnality (and you are quite a handsome man as well, by the way!). I read an interview your mother gave in December to talk about the Madrid exhibition where she said she used to give piano lessons. So I came to wonder as I also know you absolutely love listening to music: have you taken advantage of your mother's talent and ever played the piano ? And if so, were you skilled at it ? As for now, I imagine you playing better with a tennis racket than with a piano, but maybe I am wrong. ;-) Siga así campeón y mucha suerte para todo !!!!!!!! Anne-Claire, Paris

RN: Many thanks, very kind of you. I am nule at playing music! My grandfather is a musician, my mother likes it but I am not able to play any instruments.

6. Hi Rafa, you mentioned before that you are a big Lost fan. How did you find the ending of it? Were you satisfied with it? Agi from Hungary

RN: I want more!

(以下from Herald Sun)

7. What has been the most disappointing loss of your career so far and what is your favourite match you have won? Nigel, Melbourne

RN: This is a very difficult question. I have some disappointments but I have to say that they are not too many. Maybe my second Wimbledon final was one of the worst. And wins, I have many good memories, tough to point out one so allow me to not answer this one

8. What football (soccer) team to you go for? And I hope you complete the Rafa slam as you deserve it! Kali Fabiatos, Melbourne

RN: I am a big fan of Real Mallorca and Real Madrid. Thanks for the slam wish!

9. Hi Rafa, are you secretly counting down the days until Roger Federer retires? Britt M,  Melbourne

RN: No, not fair

10. Hi Rafa, Do you sometimes wish you played a team sport and were part of a team, rather than being all alone. Ryan, email

RN: I like soccer but I am very happy with tennis. It goes either way, when you win you celebrate with many and when you lose it is only you

11. Hey Rafa, I have been looking for a new tennis racket and just wanted to know what you think. What is the best Babolat and Wilson tennis rackets? Alexander Robinson, Melbourne

RN: I can tell you about Babolat since that's what I use. And mine I have to say is very, very good. Sorry for the Wilson boys

12. Dear Rafa! Do you ever watch other player's matches when you are not playing? Qing Qing, email

RN: Yes but normally on the TV, either at the locker or back at the hotel. When I was younger I liked to go to other courts and see matches but as you can imagine it is pretty difficult for me nowadays

13. How do you deal with the added pressure of the ATP's number 1 ranking? Evan Fabiatos, Melbourne

RN: I have no pressure at all with that, believe me

14. Rafa... the bull logo, that is seen on your clothing... what does it mean to you? Joel Teague, Melbourne

RN: It is something that Nike created after I was always wearing the Spanish bull.

15. How exciting was it for you to meet Rod Laver when you won the AO in 2009? I think it would be a blast this year for you to accept the trophy from him again! Vamos Rafa.  Trina, email

RN: Yes, an amazing feeling. It is a very important part of our history.

16. It seems like you really enjoy giving back to young kids like when you sign their items they hold. What was the most unusual fan item that you signed? Katrina, email

RN: Many different things. They are really geniuses out there inventing things

17. Rafa, you are my inspiration. is it true that you place your drink bottles in a certain order facing the direction you serve? Jam, email

RN: No, not really, but I do place them lining up.

18. Hi Rafa, I watched you practice on Monday. Fantastic!! Do you worry about the crowds mobbing you after the practice? Angela, Melbourn

RN: No, not at all. I am only concerned for the smaller ones so that they don't get injured. I understand people want to come and see us and I appreciate that a lot.

19. Hola Rafa! I'm a huge fan of your inside out forehand, how do you manage to hit this shot so skillfully? Becky Cooke, Wellington, NZ

RN: Practice, practice and a bit more of practice.

20. Thank you and congratulations to you and the other players on the success of the Hit for Haiti and Rally for Relief. It is a joy for tennis fans to see the players so relaxed on the court. Do you think there is a chance that these types of events could be played every year because it seems that there is always somewhere in the world that needs the help? Kaz, Melbourne

RN: Absolutely and that's why we do them.We have to help, all of us.

21. Hi Rafa, I am a huge fan! I was wondering if you would ever consider coming to Australia for a holiday? M Williams, email

RN: I don't have much time these days with the tennis calendar, but maybe when I finish my career. It is a beautiful country.

＃10 Tue. 25th January,2011

Getting ready for the toughest match yet

Hello everyone,

What am I going to write about today? I am really running out of stories. Just to tell you what I have done - I suppose some people will say, so what!?!?!?!

Let me then talk about the tournament. I see Andy [Murray] and Novak [Djokovic] very strong, but also Roger who really played very well today. It is a very interesting tournament here. The first grand slam of the year and the place where normally surprises occur. So far it looks like Roger and Novak are not ready for that and that the semis will be interesting.

I have a tougher match tomorrow than what people think. David [Ferrer] is a very, very good player and has started the year in a very good way winning the event in New Zealand. So, not easy at all. And Andy is playing amazing and tomorrow has an interesting rival.

Tomorrow I play at a good time, a time that is really nice. It will also allow my fans in Europe to follow the match since it will be 9.30 am in CET or 8.30 in the UK. Hope to be here tomorrow writing rather than on my way to the airport....

Thanks

Rafa

Being favourite doesn't add to the pressure

Ｑ＆Ａ

1. Hola Rafael! I just want to tell you that you are such an amazing champion and I am having a wonderful time watching you play tennis! As you have spent quite a lot of time with Roger Federer over the past few months, did you get the chance to see his twin girls? Siga así campeón y mucha suerta para todo! Anne-Claire, Paris

RN: I have seen them, but not because of the matches we played - they stayed in Dubai this winter during the two exhibitions. Very cute both!

2. Dear Rafa, congratulations for your fourth round victory! Do you ever watch replays of your own match to see where you've done well and not done so well, or do you just focus solely on your next opponent? Best of luck for your next round! Qing Qing, China

RN: Sometimes I do, but it is not something I usually do.

3. Congratulations for your match against Marin Cilic, Rafa! Fantastic! I keep reading about how your friends make you do things when you lose on the Playstation, (like when Carlos Moya made you run in the street in Umag), but what is your revenge if they lose to you? Good luck against Ferrer! Cedrine

RN: Many thanks. I make them also do things in the same way. Something that should stay between us!

4. Hola Rafa. You like routine and are superstitious. Do you like to stay at the same hotel for each tournament, and do you ask for the same room?
Once again many thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Much love, Clare x

RN: No, I am not superstitious. I have my routines, thats all. I normally stay at the official hotel and I don't mind changing rooms.

5. Hola Rafa! In the build-up to the charity matches you played in December, it was really nice to read the interview your mother gave about her role within it. She must be so proud of you, but are you also proud of her with the work she is putting in to your foundation, and can you describe more about her role? Love, Jules xx

RN: Yes, sure. She is taking the foundation very seriously and working a lot. The Madrid exhibition was a lot of work and she was on top of every single detail. She was coordinating all efforts and she also did a lot of interviews to promote the event. She only did interviews as president of the foundation.

6. Hola Rafa! Even though you're in Australia, did you manage to watch the "big" match on Sunday, Real Madrid vs. Real Mallorca? If so, what are your thoughts on the result and can you explain a bit more on your involvement with Real Mallorca. Jim

RN: I did. I was divided there since I am a fan of both teams and my uncle Miquel Angel is the second coach of the Mallorca team.

7. Hi Rafa. How do you go about trying to ‘pick’ your opponents' first serve direction? Do you try to look for differences in the serve action or do you look at tendencies and stats for what players like to do in different situations? From what I've read, Sampras tended to try to read his opponents' serve action while Agassi studied what players liked to do in different situations - unless he noticed a give-away clue like Becker's tongue pointing to where he was going to serve! As a fantastic serve returner, I'd be fascinated to hear your approach. Many thanks and best of luck for the remainder of the tournament, Robin Jackson

RN: It depends on the opponent. Sometimes you can't read anything and you take a chance on going to one place. Other players I know them well and I think I know where it goes. And others you can read it.

8. Hey Rafa - if you overcome David Ferrer (which I’m sure you will!) you face the winner of Andy Murray and Alexandr Dolgopolov. Do you prefer the easier game against Dolgopolov, or would you rather test yourself against Murray? Do you feel more proud when you win a tournament when you have beaten better opponents? Thanks! Sam

RN: I don't think a semi-final is an easy match in any case. However, as I say, I have a very difficult match tomorrow against David and that is the only thing I am thinking abut right now.

9. Hi Rafael! As you are ranked No 1 in the world, does that add more pressure to you to win every tournament you play in, as you are the favourite and expected to gain success? Would you say pressure is a good thing? Good luck with the rest of the Australian Open! Neill

RN: No pressure for me, believe me. The pressure is to win a match and to play good to win the tournament if possible. The ranking comes with results, not the other way around. The pressure is to win!

10. Rafaaaa! I am a big fan and have supported you for years. After Spain won the World Cup you were one of very few people allowed into the dressing room afterwards to celebrate with the team. If you win another major tournament, who would you most like to join you in celebrating your success? Anyone in particular from the Spanish national team? Love Maria

RN: I would love to have them all in the locker celebrating, for sure! But I don't see that possible :-(

＃Final  Thur. 27th January,2011

Hello everyone,

Well, the Australian Open came to an early end for me. It is unfortunate but this is how it is. No excuses, no nothing.

David played a great match and he deserves to be in the semis against Andy.

Too bad for me since I would have loved to play Andy for a chance to be in the final. We had a great match in London and it would have been nice, but the one who will play him deserves it more.

I am flying back tonight to Spain and will get some rest before starting again practice. I will do some tests to see if there is something serious or not but I am sure I will be fine.

Maybe I get the question about the Rafa Slam? Well I never spoke about that as you all know. That was more the media who pushed that and I understand it.

But this shows once again that match by match is what you really have to look at and not those records before they happen. It didn't and I knew it would be very difficult.

Once again I want to thanks all my fans and you for being there, supporting me and reading what I write... Not sure I would do it :-)

Thanks to The Times also for the opportunity and we will do this again during Roland Garros, The French Open. Hope it will bring me luck again over there.

Rafa