25th of January

Rafa Nadal continued his imperious form at the Australian Open today as he swept aside Tommy Haas in straight sets to move into the fourth round of the tournament. ??

The top seed lost the opening two games to Haas but never looked back as he took the next four in a row and went on to clinch the opening set 6-4.??

From there Rafa took complete control of the match and did not face a break point in the final two sets which he won 6-2 6-2 to set up a meeting with Fernando Gonzalez.

Fernando on the other hand had a taugher day at the office after coming back from the brink to claim a stunning five-set win over Richard Gasquet after a thrilling four-hour clash in the third round.

The Frenchman appeared on course for victory after taking the first two sets 6-3 6-3 but the Chilean fought back to take the next two 7-6 (12-10) 6-2.??In an epic fifth set, Gasquet missed chances to break and a string of superb forehands earned Gonzalez a 12-10 win.

Rafa’s next challenge wont be an easy task as he knows that “the toughest matches are still to come”. In the next round he’s expecting a confident man whose been able to overcome two amazing players like Hewitt the first round, and Gasquet (after his unbelievable comeback). “He's coming with confidence. Going to be a very tough opponent” said Rafa at the press conference.

Rafa’s only hope is that the time Gonzalez has spent on court “will affect him a lot”, however, realistically speaking it’s a double sided sword because that will only increase his “confidence (more) than ever, no, because he beat against big player like Richard, and he had a very good comeback.  So that's very important for the confidence”

Rafa’s fourth round encounter with Fernando will take place on Monday. It will be the seventh time they’ve played against each other, with Rafa winning 4 of the encounters.

Vamos Rafa!!

25 de Enero

Enero 25

Rafa Nadal, derrotó cómodamente al alemán Tommy Haas en tres sets, por 6-4, 6-2 y 6-2 en el Avierto de Australia y se medirá en octavos de final contra el chileno Fernando González, quien venció al francés Richard Gasquet por 3-6, 3-6, 7-6(10) 6-3 y 12-10, en un maratónico partido de cuatro horas.

Amvos hicieron un gran juego aunque, en todo momento, Rafa dominó al número 84 del mundo. Ganó la segunda manga sin problemas en 43 minutos y consiguió cerrar el partido en apenas dos horas.

Rafa que tras su victoria ante Haas asegura no haverse sentido nunca tan vien en el Avierto de Australia como en ese encuentro. "Creo que he jugado mi mejor partido en Australia esta noche", dijo Rafa en la prensa de conferencia. "Estoy muy contento con mi juego", añadió.

Rafa y González han jugado un total de 7 veces  en su carrera y Rafa se ha llevado la victoria en cuatro de las siete ocasiones. La última vez fue, precisamente en Australia, en los cuartos de final de 2007, con triunfo del chileno.

González avanzó a los octavos de final del Avierto de Australia tras derrotar al francés Richard Gasquet en una vatalla de más de cuatro horas por 3-6, 3-6, 7-6 (12-10), 6-2 y 12-10.

Rafa lleva ya tres victorias en este torneo y sin ceder un set.

Vien hecho Rafa!

24th of January

On Day 6 of the Australian Open, the No. 1 player in the world, Rafa Nadal, will take on Germany’s Tommy Hass in the men’s singles 3rd round action.

This match is scheduled to take place today at Rod Laver Arena, after a women's singles match, which starts at 7:30pm (local time). 

Both, Hass and Rafa are coming off impressive 2nd round, straight-set victories, as this should be a good early test for our champion. 

Rafa, who has yet to surrender a set in this year’s Australian Open 2009, has looked outstanding through the first 2 rounds. He got off to a sizzling start by dominating Christophe Rochus of Belgium in straight sets: 6-0, 6-2, 6-2. Rafa had his serve going that day, getting 69% of his first serves in -- winning 91% of his first serves -- as well as recording 10 aces in the match.

The current world's No. 1 followed that performance by torching Roko Karanusic of Croatia, also in straight sets: 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. In his 2nd round match, Rafa controlled the pace by winning 19 of 26 (73%) net approaches, as well as converting on 6 of 7 (86%) break point opportunities, and winning 83 total points to Karanusic’s 58.

Tonight's match will be the fourth encounter between the Haas and Rafa. The pair have met in three occasions before, with Rafa coming out on top in all 3 events (played on hard-court): Cincinnati (2008), Madrid Masters (2006) and Cincinnati (2006).

22nd of January

Rafa continues his impressive form at the Australian Open with a quick  victory over Croat Roko Karanusic in straight sets.

The 22-year-old, world number 1 broke twice before sealing the opening set with an ace, then took the second in no time and clinched the victory on his first match point when Karanusic put a forehand wide.

(CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THIS ARTICLE TO READ THE FULL REPORT)

It was a relatively short match, which is always good news for Rafa who wasn’t too happy with the conditions on the court. He mentioned to the Spanish press that “it was a bit too humid out there” but he was still happy to get through to the third round considering it took him longer than he wanted “to get into his rhythm”.

In regards to his next opponent, he said he was going to have to raise his level of play if he wanted to win that match because he knows very well it will be his first ‘big’ opponent. “I think he won very easy today so that means he’s playing well”.

“I will have to put more rhythm and intensity than him”. said the champion.

The pair have met in three occasions before, with Rafa coming out on top in all 3 events (played on hard-court): Cincinnati (2008), Madrid Masters (2006) and Cincinnati (2006.

RAFA IS AT IT AGAIN

Another day, another funny quote from the champion. This time around he doesn’t understand why they keep asking him about his clothes.

It appears that some fans aren’t too happy with your new change of clothes, what do YOU think Rafa?

“What happened, the fans don’t like it?”. He laughed and then apologized to everyone because he didn’t know.

”The important thing in the end is the ball, the racquet and that I play well”. Then he continued. ”When I wore the sleeveless shirts some people liked them and others didn’t”…  “I feel just fine (with the new outfit)”.

When asked about he thought about Melbourne, he got stuck trying to look for words to describe the city…”it’s calm, it’s  big……it’s...... calm (again)…”  “Sorry about my English but I’m sure you understand more than my secretary”…. He said making the journalists crack up.

That is Rafa, up close and personal...

22nd of January 

The five-time major champion, Rafa Nadal is getting ready to face Croat Roko Karanusic in the second round of the Open today. The match is scheduled second on Rod Laver Arena after a men's singles match, which starts at 11:00am (local time).

Rafa started his quest to become the first Spaniard to win an Australian Open singles title by conceding just four games in his first-round match on Tuesday night. He beat Christophe Rochus of Belgium 6-0, 6-2, 6-2, producing 26 forehand winners. 

Vamos Rafa!

20th of January

Rafa Nadal made short work of his opening match at the Australian Open, taking just 77 minutes to blow Christophe Rochus off court in straight sets by 6-0 6-2 6-2.

It was an incredibly convincing victory for Rafael, who left the 75th player in the world astonished and wondering if it was possible in any way to compete against such a raging bull…

He will be hoping it is a while before the pair have to play again.

In regards to Rafa’s thoughts about the match: The world number one said he was very happy with this relatively easy victory, however he realizes that “maybe Rochus didn’t play his best match” … “That is the sport”, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you can never count anybody out.

Even though it wasn’t the best of the situations for Christophe, he managed to keep his sense of humour intact and celebrated with all of his passion when he won his first game of the match after 34 minutes of play, - which was great entertainment for the crowd.

The five-time major champion will now face Croat Roko Karanusic in the second round of the Open this Thursday. The match is scheduled second on Rod Laver Arena after a women's singles match, which starts at 11:00am (local time).

RAFA’S NEW EVENING LOOK

After the match and as it is usually done, Rafa went straight into his press conference where he was asked about his new Nike evening look.

Rafa, was quick to turn the tables on the journalist who asked him the question and instead, ask him what he thought about his new clothes.

“You like it, or do you prefer the other one? said Rafa with a big smile and laughing at the same time.

“Well, I wouldn’t try sleeveless on myself, that’s why I was to ask you he replied, making everyone in the room laugh…. “It’s great, I feel good, I am fine like this!” said the world number one. 

Well done Rafa!!

20th of January

Rafa Nadal starts his 2009 Australian Open campaign tonight against a player he’s never played against before, Chritophe Rochus, ranked 75th in the world.

Their match is scheduled second on Rod Laver Arena  (after a women’s singles match), which means Rafa won’t be on court before 7:00pm.  

For those of you who would like to see Rafa before the match, you can do so at his training session, at 5:30pm,  local Melbourne time.

In regards to tonight’s match, Rafa said on his blog:

“Nothing is easy and this is no exception. I am confident since I have been practising well and I am always positive. But still it is the first round and I have always a lot of respect for my opponent. 

Hopefully it will go well and I will (go well) with all of you”.

Vamos Rafa!!!

After the good taste in the mouth he left us in Qatar, the number one debuts today in Australia behind the first main course of the season.

As he showed in the tournament in Doha, Rafa is in an excellent state of form, and his game on the fast surface is more lethal and solid than ever.

Rafa is defending his reign on the Wimbledon grass and is the indisputable Lord of clay, although he has never won a Grand Slam on hard courts. Last year, an extraordinary Tsonga left him out of the final in a perfect game from the Frenchman, putting an end to Rafa’s best performance in the tournament ... to date.

Following this, Djokovic would raise the trophy, seriously threatening Rafa’s number two position he was then defending. However, in August and as number one in the world, Nadal beat the Serb in the Peking semi-finals, also on hard courts.

Things have changed a lot since the last edition of the Australian Open. Rafa is now more complete, more compact, better. The best.

And he wants to win on the new surface.

¡Vamos, Rafa!

HE'S the hottest tennis player on the planet - but what makes him tick? You have the chance to chat with the world's No. 1 tennis player Rafael Nadal.

What’s his motivation?  How does he train? Who are his idols?

Ask your questions and the world No.1 will answer them exclusively online at heraldsun.com.au during the Australian Open. The daily replies from the super Spaniard start on Sunday.

Send your questions now to online@heraldsun.com.au

Rafa Nadal will begin his quest to defend his No.1 ranking tomorrow against Christophe Rochus from Belgium, who he's never played against before.

He had a practice session at 11:00 am today and is now back at his hotel where he will rest and prepare for tomorrow's first round match. 

When the draw was revealed last friday, Rafa surely would have preferred to avoid Andy Murray until the Australian Open finals, but if there is one player in men's tennis who doesn't get caught looking ahead, it's Rafa. For now, he'll worry about his own section of the draw. The world No. 1 can worry about a potential semifinal showdown with Murray if and when it comes to that.

Rafa's quarter is not extremely difficult, but he has plenty with which to deal. His nearest seeded player and potential third-round opponent is Dmitry Tursunov, who is talented, owning a big power game. Richard Gasquet, Fernando Gonzalez, and Lleyton Hewitt are potential fourth-round opponents for Rafael. 

RAFA BLOG

Rafael Nadal reached out to his fans here by launching a blog at the Australian Open, taking questions on everything from what motivates him to whether he has sex during a tournament.

The Spanish world number one said he had always wanted to blog during the tournament, but admits it isn't easy as his writing skills don't match his tennis exploits.

"This is my first blog in Australia and I am very thankful to have been given this opportunity," he said on the posts that appear in Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper.

"I am not going to lie to you, this is not easy for me since I am not a writer."

Rafa wants to get closer to his fans and feels answering their questions is one way to do that.

"Hi everyone, or should I say G'day mate? I have been told that this is the way Australians say "hello," so I wanted to also say it like this," he says in his introduction.

"I am back here in Melbourne and I have to say that I love being here. I have to say that I am excited."

To kick things off he was asked by one fan whether it was true that sex is not permitted during a tournament because it drains the athletes.

"Every player should know the best way to be ready to play next day. So it is up to the player," Nadal said diplomatically.

Asked what motivates him, he said it was simply playing tennis and having the chance to win.

"What motivates me is the fact that I am competing, that I am playing tennis, that I do what I like and that I have a chance on what I do," he said.

"I want to get better and become a better player and to win big tournaments like this one in Melbourne. This is really the motivation."

Among other "secrets revealed," he said he once left a trophy he won in Mexico in a taxi and was still trying to get it back.

And Nadal, who said he would have been a footballer if he wasn't a tennis player, admitted his favourite team Real Madrid had no chance of catching Barcelona this season.

Barca are 12 points clear of Real at the top of the Spanish league table.

AFP