THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. Do you think it’s best performance against Djokovic since the last final at Roland Garros? Is the first question. The second is if you think it’s better for you to play against Djokovic on the best-of-five sets than on the best-of-three sets.
RAFAEL NADAL: I am playing well. No, no. I have been, I think, a beautiful match, a little bit unlucky for me today, so many chances in the first set. Obviously with that 4-2, Love-30, and then 15-30, good point for me, good forehand that was a winner and was out for just a little bit. We don’t need to talk about I think in the second, no?
So happy in a very close match, and I have to congratulate him. He played, I think, great. And that’s it. He’s winning a lot, so probably that makes a difference.
No, when somebody is winning as much as he is doing last year and months, two years, we know the dynamics are so important. He was hitting great shots in important moments, no? That’s it.
But I am playing well. I think I am playing well during the whole clay court season. It’s true that in Madrid I didn’t play well the last two matches against Joao and especially the last two sets against Joao Sousa in quarterfinals, and semifinals against Andy I didn’t play very well.
But in general I’m playing well in the most of the matches most of the time. And today I was there mentally fighting for every point, hitting good shots. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s better for me best-of-five or best-of-three. Is something that I don’t think about it now. The only thing that I think is I have been very, very, very close this afternoon, and that’s positive.
Q. After a match like this, what is the lasting feeling? Comfort of knowing how high a level you’ve played today or disappointment of the loss?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, no, no. I came late here not because I was disappointed. I came late because I was in doping and just for like this (indicating small space between index finger and thumb) I didn’t came before, maybe a little bit.
No, I was not disappointed. Well, it’s obvious that when you feel that you are so close to take both sets, you know, it’s obvious that you go out of the court and you feel that you cannot be 100% happy.
But overall I am playing well. As I said before, I have been competing at the highest level against the best player. Play a match like this, best player of the world, that’s the only thing that give me the confidence that I am ready for the things.
Q. Obviously your head to head with Novak is much more even than the head to head you have with Roger, but can you see a similarity between this rivalry and the rivalry you had with Roger, which went through phases when you won a lot even if matches were really, really close?
RAFAEL NADAL: I answered that question so many times. You know, let’s talk about all of this — I’m tired about asking these kind of questions. The only answer for me now is I feel happy to be part of both rivalries.
You know, have been both special ones and that’s it. And we’re gonna talk about that when we finish our careers. Hopefully not very soon (laughter).
And that’s it. No, no, I feel lucky and unlucky at the same time to be at the same moment than those great players.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
I’m so frustrated with Rafa. Novak is playing bad at Rome even the likes of Bellucci and Kei took a set off him and almost won their match but Rafa couldn’t even take 1 set. Looking back it hurts more because HE SHOULD HAVE. Murray will beat Novak in the final. Why can’t Rafa ? I’m also tired of hearing him say ”unlucky, unlucky, unlucky”. Novak is now 11-1 H2H last 2 years I would be FURIOUS and a bit more critical of myself and improve certain things more such as SERVE. That serve he had in 2010 and 2013. How can you do it so well then forget about it ? He showed he can serve excellent when he takes the time to train that aspect but he doesn’t now and is content with everything. Rafa in 2013 was mentally HUNGRY. It’s like Rafa has become someone who is just happy to go on the court instead of winning. Rafa is the only player with the talent that could dominate Novak like he did in 2013. He has those shots. I’m even more upset now seeing Bellucci and Kei take a set off Novak and Rafa not even 1 set and got broken so many times. His game still lacks on serve, return like for the past 2 years and no improvements there. He’s also quite stubborn with the coach thing. No one is saying fire Toni but try to add coaches who can improve every aspect of your game. He should’ve done this YEARS ago. A special coach for the serve maybe. He did so in 2010 USO and he was serving like a BEAST. He got broken like what 2-3 times entire grand slam ? Now he gets broken that much in 1 set. I’m sorry if I came across disrespectful I love the guy so much and think he is capable of so much more if he wasn’t so content.
I don’t think you are being disrespectful. I, myself, was upset about him saying too many times that he was “unlucky.” You expressed your feelings without being demeaning or insulting.
I cannot write as eloquently as others here because I don’t know as much as I should about tennis, being a Rafa fan. I do know that he is not playing to his potential but that doesn’t make good copy.
ALLEZ RAFA
I think all of us Rafa fans are frustrated, but I wonder if Rafa is less able to express himself in English. I sensed more frustration from Rafa than I have seen since the FO. Novak clearly lifts his level against Rafa and Roger. Andy should have a big advantage after his easy win today. I still have hope for RGs.
I am frustrated for about five minutes then I start thinking of the next tournament.
I only wish that Rafa’s team would seek the best professionals to assess/pinpoint exactly what Rafa is going through and come up with a plan to help him.
Since English is not his first language it is possible he is very cautious when making statements to the press. We all know how words can be taken out of context. In this interview it seems he didn’t understand the question unless RNF left something out because he’s talking about testing, if I understood correctly.
I, too, am excited about RG.
ALLEZ RAFFA VS ALLEZ GAGNER
you are absolutely spot on.
what Rafa has to do is bring inthe new Coach without axing uncle Tony.
I have been watching Novak since 2008
The game which he played in 2011 that was simply unmatchale but after that it is not that he cant be beaten.
Indeed you do love Rafa, Vamosrafanadal27 and truly, I also share your sentiments as I ‘m both a die-hard fan & critic of Rafa.
But you see, all the issues you’re just highlighting now were ferociously argued and defended on this same site by Deep Thinker, J.Beer, The Prophet and MIROMO. But you guy abused and crucified them all thinking they were Rafa haters. These guys love Rafa like crazy and are ready to put theri life on he line to ensure that Rafa triumphs at all times!!!
Now, to your issue of Rafa not taking one set off Djokovic. I have addressed this same issue over and over again: Djokovic is using Rafa as a standard / measure of performance.
The day Djokovic loses to Rafa, Boris Becker will be immediately fired!
Djokovic is a no-nonsense hyper-, pro-active and highly result-oriented person. But Rafa, i comparison, takes things as they are, ”Life is more than Tennis’, he says.
But the big issue now is: How do we get our Rafa to PEAK EARLY at the FO? This is the only way he can win La Decimal!!!!
Until tomorrow Rafa fans one last glimmer of hope to topple Novak before the FO
Until mañana
RAFA ROCKS
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…………..
Pretty Maria, you still harbour any hope that Andy will beat Novak tomorrow????!!!
Novak will surely beat Andy again tomorrow. Andy is no match for Novak; not on clay that is. Maybe on grass.
Have you taken time to read my incisive article on Djokovic’s SWOT analysis? Please read it and you’d see why Rafa can and will be Novak at the FO. Sounds crazy, but it CAN and WILL happen (subject to certain conditions)
you’re a delusional nutcase, Looney Prophet, aka Shallow Thinker, and what ever other names you use, since you don’t have a damn clue who you are! go play in the traffic douchebag, and take that RACIST BIGOT MARGO with you ……….
Well done to Nishikori, he played brilliantly the whole of Japan will be so proud.Turning over now as I can’t stand watching Novak gloat anymore and no doubt put another heart on the camera lens, someone who doesn’t show respect to the ball boys or umpire as though they are beneath him. Novak is the Lewis Hamilton of the tennis world (another arrogant ass) good luck to Nico Rosberg tomorrow at the Spanish Grand prix. Andy you have what it takes to win tomorrow ,dig deep like you did when you won Wimbledon and the Davis cup ,failing that maybe the wind could pick up again and one of those lovely Roman statues that are dotted around the courts might fall and knock Novak out.Good Luck Andy . Rafa can’t wait to see you at the FO
Sigh…
Great play Kei.
Mañana Andy.
RAFA ROCKS
Very funny, Pretty Maria. Very funny!
But really, what’s the point in hating Novak? And that’s the problem with Rafa fans on this site. Why dont we all just address the issues, why dont we suggest action points that Rafa can utilise to beat Novak?
There’s no point hating Novak. He’s a good guy though I admit he has a bad attitude ONLY when he’s losing!! Besides that, he’s a good guy, he admitted to the whole world that Rafa and Roger helped improve his game. Now, if that’s not humility, I wonder what humility is.
So, Rafafans, leave Novak alone, let’s concentrate on our dear Rafa and what he needs to do to win the FO, La Decimal!!! Please read my article below and add to it in terms of positive ideas that can move Rafa’s game above Djokovic’s.
Thank you.
ALERT MARIA
3rd set tiebreak 6-6 each
Vamos Rafa!!!
Margo yes that exactly, funny how that ankle isn’t troubling him now isn’t it , The Italian people apparently like him , I know crossbreds are all the rage at the moment (half Mr Bean /half beaker from the Muppets)but personally I prefer more a pedigree like Rafa
I’m speechless.
LOL However, there’s still Andy.
RAFA ROCKS
Starting to wish I had watched the Eurovision song contest now, at least I would know roughly the results on that one, somewhere near the bottom
Noooooo let me go and get my sick bucket
Uh oh.. Maria.
Is that because Kei dropped the 2nd set?
RAFA ROCKABILLY
Margo no he hasn’t tried that one yet , which is a surprise when you think that his head is permanently stuck up his own arse
LMAO Stop!!! Your post made me laugh so much my right eye teared.
OK I’ve recovered
RAFA U ROCK
YES Nishikori one down one to go , no doubt Novak’s little ankle will take a turn for the worse
LOL How about twisted neck? Has he tried that one yet….
I was going to post the first set. Thanks.
If Nishikori wins I wonder how Nole will behave.
RFA ROCKS
Hmmmmmmmmmm. Oh my god ! Who are you going to masquerade as next
LOL Is Hmmmmmmm and that other knucklehead one and the same?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm………………………………….
Rafa juega increible , Novack tiene una defenza increible, pero mejor juego y tiros los tiene Nadal, quien llena estadios for ever Vamos Rafa
Go Nishikori don’t be fooled by Novak’s antics, beware of the wolf in sheep’s clothing
Novak grow a pair it’s a little cut Rafa played with appendicitis
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm…………….
Margo no we don’t want roaring we will leave that to the likes of Novak ( no what you mean though) oh here we go again Novak’s worried so the mind games have began to make NISHIKORI think he’s injured . pull the other one Novak no one is convinced
LOL OK Rafa can do his signature fist pumps.
RAFA ROCKS
Wish Rafa was out there playing now but he’s not so COME ON NISHIKORI
Rafa has about a week and a half to figure out his strategy against any opponents he will face at RG. I am excited and hope he comes out roaring.
RAFA ROCKS
YES YOU HAVE . I AGREE YOUR ARE SO NICE AND SO KIND AND YOUR MANNER S
EXCEPTIONAL. THAT ALONE MAKES YOU A NO 1 IN
MY EYES XX
Rafa is very special but clearly he still needs to progress. The old Rafa would not have missed the 5 set points, but who knows, this may help him at RGs. Rafa is a true role model win or lose. Novak is playing at a very high level, but his court behavior is getting worse. I find his smashing of rackets and roaring embarrassing for a champion.
A SWOT analysis of Novak would be something like this:
Strength = His game- perfect shot making; ability to instantly turn defence into attack; killer drop shot; ability to recover when down; high mental strength and fast build-up of winning psyche or momentum (that is, ability to peak early even right from the 1st match)
Weaknesses: Bad attitude when down or losing; displays theatrics and tantrums to confuse opponents and which helps Novak to recover at critical moments and win; perhaps, an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) winning mentality.
Opportunities: Potential to be the GOAT
Threat: Fear of losing/to Rafa Nadal & Roger Federer
So, clearly for me, I’d advise Rafa to concentrate and capitalise on Novak’s weaknesses. He almost did it yesterday, but Novak was just lucky, perhaps too lucky on the night. My take away last night is the fact that Rafa was able to lead both sets 2-0 and Rafa could have won, but his mental strength (somehow) let him down at CRITICAL MOMENTS
So, clearly in preparing for the FO, Rafa must remain focused, improve on his mental strength (and not be distracted by Novak’s tantrums) and improve his attacking game.
On the whole, I see Rafa potentially beating Novak at the FO and achieving La Decimal. But to achieve this also, Rafa needs to build consistent winning momentum right from his first match at the FO because he’s likely to meet Novak/Andy/Roger early.
One of the weaknesses of Rafa is that he slowly builds momentum and peaks at the final match. This has really helped him win the 9 FOs by defeating any tough opponent in semis and finals.
But as things are now, he’d be meeting any of the other ”BIG 4” early before the Quarters, so good, old Uncle Toni needs to work hard, very hard in ensuring that Rafa peaks early this time around.
Therefore, the 2 keys for Rafa to win the FO are: Peaking Early + High Mental Strength (Confidence at critical moments) + Aggressive Dominant Play (ADP)
But, to all Rafa maniacs and true Rafa fans, please do not be despondent, instead rejoice as our Rafa is truly back and by God’s grace, he will bite the Coupes Des Masteroudes on June 6!!!
Vamoss Rafa!!!
Good post. Rafa has a very good chance for his decima. I hope he wakes up.
Btw it’s La Coupe des Mousquetaires
RAFA ROCKS
The Amala and Ewedu clogged brain is here again with another profile?
From Deep Thinker to Great Prophet to Nostradamus? Desperation much? You cant live without Nadal lolzzz
What a stalking loser. You need to be making these redundant analyses on Novak’s site.
It is all down to FEAR! You can sense the inevitable. You need to re-appraise your priorities.
Nadal is winning the FO, whether he meets Novak in the 3rd, 4th , Quarters, Semis or Final. You should know how the mind games between these 2 work by now. Yesterday was just a taster to the impending defeat of Novak and he knows it and I guess you do too which is why you spend all your time pretending to be a Rafa fan.
I’m not surprised with your behaviour, you are Oduduwa pickin lol. Too much oily Gbegiri lolzzz
@Chris
Amala, and ewedu soup are part of Nigerian cuisine. So I’m guessing he overate? LOL
Yesterday someone made an ethnic slur here against you if I understood it correctly on an Internet search. Or, he just signed his name omo ibo. Are you Igbo?
In any event the RNF people who run this blog should block the meanies and haters from this site because there are a lot of nice fans here who should not have to tolerate the idiots.
I am insulted constantly by one individual and 99.9% ignore him/her. I am reaching for 100%.
RAFA ROCKS
@ Margo
You can deceive everyone but me. How many profiles do you have on here? Life must be terrifically sad and incredibly boring for you to have about 20 profiles on the go! how old are you?
You keep posting and replying yourself as if you are mentally disturbed.
When you are tired, you will move on. Trust me lolzzzz
VAMOS RAFA!!!
@Chris
I was only asking you a question because you use a lot of Nigerian words. Usually I see only English, Spanish or French. Being trilingual I am always curious about other peoples and languages. If I offended you that is all you had to say and we could have discussed it.
Only one name here. And I thought you were one of the sane ones.
Any offense was unintentional.
In America, my country, I can freely post comments on the Internet. I do it with respect and without insulting Rafa’s fans.
ALLEZ RAFA
Funny thing is: not too long ago, this ‘strength” of Djoko was precisely the strength of Rafa! Have you watched Rafa from 2005 to 2010?
Rafa had his killer FH and a world class DHBH that even Fed called it Rafa’s second FH (thats how Rafa could hold up to Fed’s laser like FH back then, also refer to that AO2009 final for an example of how devastating that BH was).
Rafa might not have a huge serve before that 2010 USO, but his serve was effective because of his placement, variety and precision ( also his leftiness). Not forgetting how often he could serve an ace down the T when he’s BP down and back against the wall. He’s just so clutch when it mattered!
His ROS back then was also much better than now, hence he was able to break serves frequently; he was within top three in terms of return games won.
We dont even need to talk about Rafa’s great movement, speed, power, fitness, stamina and athleticism, one of the best if not the best in the sports, which was why he’s the best defender back then and was able to turn defence into offence in a blink of an eye. In fact Djoko had modelled his game after Rafa’s hence his successes in 2011 and beyond.
The most important part of Rafa’s game was his mental strength, his unwavering focus and mental concentration. His mental focus was simply unbelievable that he could sustain it throughout a whole match. Murray testified to that in one of his interviews. Oh, that’s how Rafa beat Djoko at USO2013 final, by maintaining his high level throughout when Djoko just couldnt sustain his and was so up and down in his level. Not forgetting Rafa’s well known never say die fight till the very end warrior spirit.
All the above, Djoko now seems to copy them, adopt them into his game, and in addition, Djoko has his best ROS in the game and a great serve now, not to mention his incredible flexibility.
Rafa’s regret was his injury prone career, and not being able to have all his weapons firing in tip top conditions at the same time. Imagine Rafa having that USO2010 big serve, his current deft touches, volleying skills and net game, plus his FH/BH/ ROS/ movement/ footwork/speed and power/ stamina and fitness of his heydays from 2007-2010, minus his injuries – my guess is, he would have the calendar slam in 2010 if not in 2009!
Things are what they are now, the boat may have already sailed away for Rafa, and Djoko at the same time, has taken full advantage of Fedal’s slow and steady decline, filling the void left by them. He said it himself, Fedal had made him a better player now. He’s there waiting to pounce when they fall and pounce he did and he’s now the dominant player in the tour.
We can just hope that Rafa can still win his fair share of important titles – slams, Masters, despite a losing H2H vs the dominant Djoko now. If Rafa can fight till the very end and calm his nerve, I think that’s achievable.
Rafa you have the patience of a saint
Interesting.