Sunday: Spoke with Rafa!!

Lopy and I took the 9 a.m. shuttle to the tennis. I got my credential, although it took a while to figure out what name they put the credential under. Turns out I'm here working for IMG. Kind of ironic, don't you think? But thanks, IMG. And I am here promoting their boy!

As I suspected, Rafa was out warming up for his match. He was hitting with Francis Roig. There was no one around when I first got there, but the crowds started to come. He practiced his forehand and backhand first -- his groundstrokes looked great. He then practiced his volleying (which was a good thing -- they didn't look quite as sharp). And then his serves.

I brought his gift with me today - the bear for his Dubai win and also the congratulations card for him. I have attached a photo. I knew I couldn't give it to him with all the crowds around, so I went back to the dining area (the players and media share a dining room), got a soda and waited there. A few minutes later I saw Rafa walking very fast, signing autographs as he went. He went through the gate, and as he was putting his pen away he saw me. He recognized me and said, "Hello." He stopped, and I told him I had a gift for him, his bear from Dubai. He said, "Thank you very much." He took the bag, and I congratulated him on Dubai and wished him good luck this week. He said, "Thank you very much." He was in a hurry to get to the locker room to get ready for his match, but he seemed happy with the gift. He said "bye," and then went on to the locker room.

So gift mission accomplished!!!!

The match will start soon, and I will do a live blog during the match, for those who cannot watch it. They have wireless here, so I can sit out on the media balcony, watch the match and give you updates during each game.

I have a few photos from the practice. Hopefully I can get some closer photos later.

IW Photos

Lopy and I separated when we got here, as he had to get a ticket. I didn't see him at Rafa's practice, but it was quite crowded. He has a terrific camera, so hopefully he was there and got some photos.

Will start a new post for the match blog.

Vamos, Rafa!!!!