TMS - MADRID
Date: 2005-10-21

TMS - MADRID

October 21, 2005

Rafael Nadal
MADRID, SPAIN
The Moderator We have Rafa here for questions. Questions in Spanish.

Question What a match against Stepanek. Proud?
RAFAEL NADAL: Of course, I'm proud. It was a very, very tough match. I knew before I started that Stepanek is a very uncomfortable opponent that gives you no rhythm. I knew I had to resist and be consistent. It was an incredible match, a very high level, as we like to play, with fast rhythm. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I fought as much as I could until 6-2, when it got complicated. But I'm very happy because now I reached the semifinals of another Masters Series at home.

Question Ginepri, do you have references of him?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, the references are clear. Champion at New Haven, semifinals Cincinnati, and US Open quarterfinals. Very, very tough match. I'll need to play well.

Question You started the tournament as a doubt, and now you're the only Spaniard. How do you feel? What are your hopes?
RAFAEL NADAL: I'm looking forward to tomorrow's match. I'm very happy. The two first years I played here, I didn't do very well. I'm excited at the idea of playing a good tournament. This is a great indoor tournament. I wish I could reach the final. That would be great.

Question During the tiebreak, what percentage of the victory belongs to the crowd? As a spectator I felt the crowd was great.
RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, I've been saying this all week. Once I decided to play, I knew I owed the crowd a lot. Every time I got on the court, I felt warmly welcomed. Thanks to their empathy in these very tough matches, where slight details are important.

Question Differences between yesterday?
RAFAEL NADAL: Today the crowd was incredible.

Question What about your knee? How are you feeling? Tell us about those black things you're wearing, miraculous things?
RAFAEL NADAL: I didn't hear the question. Repeat, please.

Question The first question is about your knees. The second question, those black elastic bands, what are they? Are they miraculous?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yes, of course, they come from Lourdes and are touched by Lourdes water. Seriously, it's to prevent the impact. It's not miraculous, but it soothes the pain.

Question At 6-2, you suddenly lost four set points. You had two points against you. What did you think?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I felt suddenly I was losing the match, when I was one point from winning the match. On his serve, 7-6, I was able to return. He won the following point. Then made a forehand on the line. I was brave. That was the victory of the tiebreak. However, I was a bit unfocused at 6-2.

Question Stepanek was tough. Four matches, four victories. It seems like you know him.
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, every match is different. All of them have been very tough. I've been feeling uncomfortable. This player makes a strange movement in his serve at the end which I cannot control. The truth is, this year I played twice on clay against him. 7-5, 6-3. I told you the other day about that match. Rome, I lost the first set 7-5, then I won 6-1, 6-2, or something like this. Taking into account his performance on clay and how tough matches are - what were the results - 7-6, 7-6, 6-3, all those matches have been really difficult.

Question Could you explain to us what difficulties you found?
RAFAEL NADAL: It was a difficult match. Very tense moments. First set we were playing to the limit. I was able to recover in the tiebreak. 5-0, then suddenly it was 6-3, very difficult. Finally I was able to recover. (Speaking in Mallorca dialect.)
The Moderator Questions in English.

Question How important was it not to go to three sets?
RAFAEL NADAL: Of course, no? I mean, the first set I have two set points down, but I can win these points. So I am very happy because if I lost the first set, the match will be a little bit more tough, no?

Question Can you talk us through the tiebreaker. You were 5-2 up, then two set points down. Can you describe that?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yes. I was playing unbelievable the tiebreak, 5-0 in the tiebreak. 6-2, serve. 6-3, 6-5, and one point more with the serve. I can't win any point. I relaxed a little bit. In the 6-2, he played a good point. After that, he has two set points. That's difficult. But the public is very exciting in this moments, and very important for me, no?

Question He's an unusual player. He sometimes plays up, sometimes back. He mixes it up. Does this make it difficult?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yes, he's very difficult because he play very aggressive, go to the net. When he play like the (speaking in Spanish).
The Moderator On the baseline.

Question For the tape?
RAFAEL NADAL: He play in the baseline. He play very tough, too. It's very difficult. I never have a good feelings around him.

Question Do you think your standard has gone up in the three matches here?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yesterday I play very well I think, too. Today I play good because is difficult opponent. But I am happy with my level every match, no?

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