Rafa's Round 1 Wrap-Up

Rafa's Presser:

Q.  What happened in the first few games of that match?

RAFAEL NADAL:  Well, happened that I had the breakpoint in the first game, so I think I played a good first game.  But he had a few chances at the first, and then two great serves in the advantage in the middle to the tee.

Then I played bad game with my serve.  Even I think I have game point for me, or few chances, but I had a few mistakes with my forehand.

And then he hit a fantastic returns in the 3‑0, so he played a great game.  I was lucky to be back, that’s the thing.  I feel lucky after 4‑0 to be able to win the set.


Q.  Thomaz said you don’t have any weakness in your game.  Is that what you think?

RAFAEL NADAL:  Well, I think I have, but thank you for the words of Thomaz, no?

I think today I didn’t play my best match.  I think especially at the first set I played little bit too nervous, little bit not knowing exactly what to do.  My movements were a little bit in defensive way, not in aggressive way.
But I was able to keep winning the first set.  That’s the important thing and the good news.  Then I started to play better.  The second and third set I played better, even if I had a big mistake in the third with 2‑0, 30‑Love to probably close the set with 3‑0.

I felt in that moment I started to hit better the forehand.  That’s the most important thing for me.  And in the beginning I didn’t really had the best feeling with my forehand.

But then I started to feel a little bit better and I was able to hit a few forehands in a row with positive feeling, knowing that I don’t want to miss the ball.  That’s a very important thing, no?

I think the serve worked great almost all the match.  Just the beginning I start with not the best percentage, but I finished well, so I’m happy...... Read it all here

Match Report:

Guardian

Photos (Daylife & Yahoo):