TMS - MADRID

October 21, 2005

Rafael Nadal

THE MODERATOR: We have Rafa here for questions. Questions in Spanish.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RAFAEL NADAL: Today the crowd was incredible.

RAFAEL NADAL: I didn't hear the question. Repeat, please.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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?

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?

RAFAEL NADAL: Yes, he's very difficult because he play very aggressive, go to the net. When he play like the (speaking in Spanish).

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

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?