Tuesday: Rafa gets ready to go "fishing"

Just getting ready for tonight's big match. If you have any questions or comments about the match, please post them now. I'll try to catch Rafa's practice before the match, and get some photos plus information on how he is playing. And, as I said before, I'll do a live play-by-play blog during the match.

I spoke with Steve Bellamy, CEO of The Tennis Channel, yesterday. He said he told Mardy that he better hope it's windy for the match, because Rafa has trouble playing in the wind. Steve also reminded me that we were just about the only two people three years ago who thought Rafa was going to be a major force in tennis. It's why I started this site, and why he arranged for that "No Strings" episode when Rafa was just 17. :-)

Rafa is at the Hyatt. I was waiting for the shuttle bus across from the hotel, and he came out with Francis and Juan. They must have a car, because they were walking to the parking lot.

I came over here to watch the end of Federer vs. Rochus. It was a good match. Rochus had his chances, but he choked away his service game when he was serving to take it to a tiebreak. Federer didn't look unbeatable in that match.

After that I went out and Rafa was playing soccer with Juan and Francis. I tried to get a photo but the light wasn't very good. He then started practicing. He was in "match mode" because he wasn't signing any autographs. I watched a bit of his practice, and was a bit frustrated with himself. I don't think his game is exactly where he wants it right now. Maybe Steve Bellamy is right -- the players who played in Dubai are in a bit of a disadvantage compared to the guys who have been playing in this time zone for a while.

BTW, Lopy is among the missing. I thought I'd see him at Rafa's practice, but he wasn't there. I figured he'd be doing his paparazzi duties.
I had dinner with Sarah and Claire -- what sweeties they are! Claire said she'd help out and do some blogging for us at Queen's. :-)

I came back to the media room, and Chris Carey of Ace Authentic gave me a box seat ticket for Rafa's match. I'll go down there, but I'm not sure I'll be able to blog from there, because I may disturb people in my area. Or maybe I'll just post updates during the changeovers. That would make the most sense. The media seats up here aren't bad, but it's so much nicer to be close to the action. Thanks, Chris!!!!

I checked out my seat -- it's quite nice. But a little cool down there. I don't think I could type down there, even if I wouldn't disturb fans. But I think I'll try to watch part of the match up close, as I may not have the opportunity later (assuming Rafa wins). And besides, from down there I can yell at him if necessary. :D

Right now Rafa is sitting by himself in the cafeteria eating his dinner.