Before arriving in Australia today, Rafa had a chat with the journalist from the Hindu.com website when he left chennai eariler this week. This is what Rafa had to say:

On 2007 and this year’s Australian Open: "I’ve always played pretty good there. I made it to the third round in the past and also had a fourth-round match against Hewitt (Lleyton) before. Last time I made it to the quarterfinals (lost to finalist Fernando Gonzalez). Maybe I did not play great in that match, but it was not a bad result. I just try to play 100 per cent to my potential. I had a good 2007. I won Indian Wells and some important tournaments. I have a chance for a very good tournament (Australian Open)

On his chances of winning Wimbledon over Roger Federer’s of winning Roland Garros: "I think Roger has more chances to win Roland Garros than I have to win Wimbledon. He has made it to two finals, and has played very well on clay and won so many titles. Grass is a short season, so it’s difficult. You have just one chance to try and do well on it, and there is no time to practice. I don’t know what’s going to happen this year, but I will keep fighting and giving my best."

On general concerns that the grass is slowing down at Wimbledon: "Everybody says it, but I don’t know. From the first time I started playing there, nothing has changed. On his serve: I think I’ve improved my serve. There is a marked improvement. Even the second serve is good. But I will continue to improve" On his chances of becoming No.1: "I don’t know if I ever will. I will keep fighting for it, and will try to reach there.

On the one question asked by the press that he’s tired of answering: Everything about Roger. On the hardest thing about being a professional tennis player: I love the competition, but travelling and spending time away from home is hard sometimes."