14-05-2008, 09:02 PM
Press Conference with RAFAEL NADAL
Nadal - Starace 6:4, 7:6 (6)
Q: Do you feel you got better since Rome? Do you feel physically better?
NADAL: Physically I am usually better. It was a tough match. I did not practice too much in the last days. I had a problem with a blister in Rome. After that I had 3, 4 days off. I could not put the foot on the floor very well. My first day of practice was here in Hamburg when I arrived. I tried my best, but the preparation was very fast. I did not have too much time. Today, I probably did not play my best match on clay. But I am very happy because I was with very good attitude all the match.
Q: You can put the foot down?
NADAL: Yes, it is much better. It is not 100% but much better.
Q: Were you ready for a third set? You could have played a third set?
NADAL: For sure, why not.
Q: Were you surprised how fast the court was?
NADAL: The clay is a little different than in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. When you slice on the clay, it is a little different. You have to see how to arrive to the ball, for example when you arrive to the forehand, to the backhand, it is a little different, you have to move a little bit more safe. You don't slide that well. But I think tomorrow it is going to be much better for me.
Q: You had two very high quality matches against Andy before. Do you expect another one tomorrow?
NADAL: I had a very tough match in Australia and one in Madrid. So, yes. Andy is a big player, I know. He's always a very dangerous player. One of the best players of the world. I know I will have to play my best to beat him.
Q: Were you surprised about the news about Justine Henin?
NADAL: Surely, surprised. But she knows more than anyone how she feels. We have to respect her decision and support her, I think. It's an important loss for the sport and for tennis because she was No. 1, one of the best players of the world in the last years. So, disappointing for us.
Q: Do you ever think about resting this week?
NADAL: No. No. I know 4 weeks in a row is impossible but after Rome, I have to play here. I don't have more chances.
Q: You've been very complimentary about Andy Murray. What makes him so dangerous?
NADAL: He's a very talented player. He can do every shot. He can play defensive, he can play attack, good volleys, good slice, very good backhand. He changes the rhythm very well. I know he is a very tough player, a very complete player.
Nadal - Starace 6:4, 7:6 (6)
Q: Do you feel you got better since Rome? Do you feel physically better?
NADAL: Physically I am usually better. It was a tough match. I did not practice too much in the last days. I had a problem with a blister in Rome. After that I had 3, 4 days off. I could not put the foot on the floor very well. My first day of practice was here in Hamburg when I arrived. I tried my best, but the preparation was very fast. I did not have too much time. Today, I probably did not play my best match on clay. But I am very happy because I was with very good attitude all the match.
Q: You can put the foot down?
NADAL: Yes, it is much better. It is not 100% but much better.
Q: Were you ready for a third set? You could have played a third set?
NADAL: For sure, why not.
Q: Were you surprised how fast the court was?
NADAL: The clay is a little different than in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. When you slice on the clay, it is a little different. You have to see how to arrive to the ball, for example when you arrive to the forehand, to the backhand, it is a little different, you have to move a little bit more safe. You don't slide that well. But I think tomorrow it is going to be much better for me.
Q: You had two very high quality matches against Andy before. Do you expect another one tomorrow?
NADAL: I had a very tough match in Australia and one in Madrid. So, yes. Andy is a big player, I know. He's always a very dangerous player. One of the best players of the world. I know I will have to play my best to beat him.
Q: Were you surprised about the news about Justine Henin?
NADAL: Surely, surprised. But she knows more than anyone how she feels. We have to respect her decision and support her, I think. It's an important loss for the sport and for tennis because she was No. 1, one of the best players of the world in the last years. So, disappointing for us.
Q: Do you ever think about resting this week?
NADAL: No. No. I know 4 weeks in a row is impossible but after Rome, I have to play here. I don't have more chances.
Q: You've been very complimentary about Andy Murray. What makes him so dangerous?
NADAL: He's a very talented player. He can do every shot. He can play defensive, he can play attack, good volleys, good slice, very good backhand. He changes the rhythm very well. I know he is a very tough player, a very complete player.
"Hij heeft misschien nog weinig tegenstand, maar dat is wat anders. En ook niet waar trouwens".
Mooi van Isner, maar nu wel erg jammer dat Russell niet mee doet. Maar wel gunstig voor Querrey. Jammer dat Anderson niet doordrukte, maar dat kan Zeballos mooi doen.
Stunt Wawrinka zou leuk zijn, maar niet als ie vervolgens verliest van Djokovic. Maar als die dan weer verliest van Berdych, maakt het niet uit. Dus vannacht is inderdaad cruciaal.
Mooi van Isner, maar nu wel erg jammer dat Russell niet mee doet. Maar wel gunstig voor Querrey. Jammer dat Anderson niet doordrukte, maar dat kan Zeballos mooi doen.
Stunt Wawrinka zou leuk zijn, maar niet als ie vervolgens verliest van Djokovic. Maar als die dan weer verliest van Berdych, maakt het niet uit. Dus vannacht is inderdaad cruciaal.