“I played a bad match, there is no question about it. I wasn’t able to be aggressive, I made more mistakes than usual and wasn’t able to make the most of the advantage that I had at some points”.
“Right now all I can do is accept a situation that is obviously a serious blow, especially after the confidence I gained in Monte-Carlo. I can either accept this or die, and since I want to keep playing I can only learn from this experience and work even harder. All I can say is that I need to improve and I’ll do everything I can do be back on my feet again”.
“I don’t know what’ll happen in the future. Last week was extremely positive whereas this one was just the opposite. I have to begin again and try to get to the level I had in Monte-Carlo. I beat Ferrer and although I lost against Djokovic, I felt really confident”.
“As of now there is absolutely no hope. I want to thank all my fans, everyone who has supported me, the brilliant organization… This is one of the best ATP 500 tournaments and this club is definitely one of the best clubs in the whole world. The only message of hope I can give is that I’ll keep working”.
“I hope all the ups and downs will eventually come to an end and that I’ll be able to keep up with a good level. Sadly I wasn’t able to do so today…”.
“Fognini played well, I mean he won the match because he deserved it and it’s obvious I didn’t. I couldn’t push him back so I just want to congratulate him”.
“I have to work hard to be better at defending and attacking. Both my forehand and backhand were awful, I just didn’t hit the ball with strength. My strength comes from my forehand and if my forehand is vulgar my way of playing is vulgar… my forehand was in no way worthy of my ranking and my career. I am deeply ashamed and frustrated, such a performance cannot happen again”.
“It’s not a matter of anxiety, it’s a matter of technique. I’m obviously going to get nervous if I don’t hit the ball the way I should”. “I am the one who wins or loses, the racket is just a help. I’m very grateful to Babolat for their contribution and I can assure you the racket had nothing to do with today’s defeat”.
“When you play with really small margins it’s extremely easy to lose because the match is decided in just a few balls. I should have made a difference before instead of waiting until the end of the second set”.
“Today was a bad day. I am convinced I’ll get to my best level soon”.
Source: Barcelona Open
Rafa, in Tennis you conquered Everest n you will always be a legend my adopted Grandson.
You can do it my boy, but no pressure on you, win or lose, we love you. Let’s see your lovely smile. Vamos Rafa. 😅😅
Dear Rafa, I am one of your many fans, and although it’s hard to see you struggling at this time, try and keep things in perspective, it’s still only a game. Be thankful that you can get up every day and be able to practice! Life can change in a heartbeat. So enjoy your life and enjoy your sport and all the love you have in your life. That is what is truly important. Keep up the good work and keep competing, do your best, that’s all we can do, is our best…win or lose its a pleasure to watch you play. You are my favourite player and always will be. VAMOS!
I am so sad for Rafa at this time,I only hope that he can find some confidence and strength to win again ,I’m hoping and yes I’m praying all will come good for Him when he returns to his beloved ROLAND GARROS ,BEST WISHES RAFA ,
Well said Derek….KUDOS!!! Your message for Rafa is beautiful!!!!
Thanks, I think we were all shocked at his last performance, especially after some good wins in Monte Carlo. But there is enough time…no good to peak too soon Rafa…use the time to rest and spend time with the family….tis the source of strength that made u who u are and the basis of what you can make happen in RG. Enjoy the game….and life again!
Thanks! Win or lose, I’m sure we want to see Rafa fighting! And he does too.
Rafa we have rough patches and so have many of your predecessors. You WILL be back you are RAFA the guy who has won so many French Opens you own the place! Dig deep buddy and find the strength we ALL know you have ! VAMOS RAFA!
Dear Rafa,
I think it’s not too complicated; just believe in the things you said a number of times:
1) Life is much more than tennis (eg.you have a beautiful lady that will marry you one day and friends and family that have and will always there for you).
2) You are the only one next to Roger who are living legends – you have nothing to prove
3) You still have the passion to play and win (or lose well) and that’s why you still play
4) Improving day by day, with practice and wins will be the difference
So don’t be so humble – sometimes being too humble affects confidence – time to get a little “ARROGANT (after all, that is the French way!).
P. Chartrier is YOUR HOUSE – everyone else is your guest; all guests do not feel as comfortable in someone else’s house.
I will be there in RG in May/June because I believe…..and although you are not the kind of person to be “Arrogant” …deep down inside…I know you believe too!
Remember….”No one can take away your self-respect, unless you give it to them”…Gandhi.
Vamos!
Beautifully said, Derek. Rafa should remember who he is. A living legend, and it is not being arrogant, in his case it is being realistic.
True Roselene! But our dear Rafa might be focusing on recent performances (and the realism there), rather than what he has accomplished, and I’m sure, will accomplish again. And I’ll be there (still trying to get tickets for other days) to will him to win!
4 yrs ago, my wife and I saw you struggle with Isner in round 1, but you managed. You have a month to get your rhythm and tenacity back. Vamos!
I love Uncle Tony, don”t get me wrong, but maybe you need to use someone else to change some things in your playing. Sometimes changing just minor things makes a huge difference. I was heart broken for you losing and I can not imagine watching tennis without you playing. Kay
Never Mind Rafa you are still the Best
So sad to see Rafa down, bt he has to work on his concetration &calmness on the court, Madrid & Rome should be spark off to Roland Garros, hopefuly it works. Vamos Rafa!!
Rafa, Please dont crumble under pressure. Maybe, this is a lean patch you are going through. Its true that your groundstrokes are not the same as before. But, form is temporary, class is permanent. You are gonna get back there. I still think you can win 1-2 slams.
Beautifully said! I’m going all the way to RG (12 hrs flight) too see you fight with that class again! Vamos!
I can’t stop crying about Rafa….. Hope he improves soon…. Still hoping he wins 10th French
Open.. My only wish for him at this point. Take care and think….. Need to beat Djoker..
Someone has to….please…
As much I admire Rafa as a iconic sportsman and one of the greatest ever to have played the sport, u cannot ignore that injuries, lack of form, stiff competition , mental doubts have created a vacuum towards top performances, can it be done at Roland garos, why not, but the foundation of it has to be kept at Rome and Madrid , a very difficult yet possible job, djokovic , berdych etc will try to break this aura of invincibility before they reach RG …how it will take shape…answer to that no one has … Only time will tell… A fan among billion
Rafa you should never be ashamed…you have given so much to tennis and achieved more than your wildest dreams…we your fans adore you and hate to see you downcast…only you can get through this tough time but you mustn’t lose your fighting spirit there are always solutions…anyway the second set could have gone your way!!…stay strong…don’t be so honest about confidence issues not a good sign to send to your opponents…you will get there…Vamos Rafa