Paris, November 10, 2009

Rafa and ‘Pico’ Monaco will be playing the first round of doubles at the BNP Paribas Masters Series tournament today against Christopher Kas and Phillipp Kohlschreiber. Their match is scheduled fourth after 3 singles matches on Center court.

'THE BEST SPORTING TALENT' OF 2008

Rafa Nadal  received last night in Paris the prestigious Serge Kampf Award from the French Academy of Sports, for his “exceptional results in 2008”, which made him “the best sporting talent” of the year.

He was supposed to receive the prize this year during Roland Garros, but instead, the French National Assembly’s president, Bernard Accoyer presented him with the trophy in a ceremony at the Palais de Lassay residence yesterday evening.

Some of Rafa’s achievements in 2008 include his fourth successive win at Roland Garros, as well as winning Wimbledon for the first time, an Olympic gold in Peking and the world No.1 ranking.

“I’m really thankful to be getting this award in Paris because it is a city that has an important significance to my career. To me, it is the most important place in the world,” said Rafa at a press conference after the ceremony.

“2008 was almost perfect,” he continued before making reference to this year’s campaign which has also had “good moments”. Perhaps 2009’s performance doesn’t reach the same level of success that is being recognized by the Academy for last year’s results. But it “shows just how difficult it is to do something like that again.”

“It’s not easy to compare your year-by-year performance. But rest assured I will do everything in my power to do it again.”

Congratulations Rafa!