Wednesday: Rafa Pulls Out of Doubles as a Precaution

Just got advance word from Matt that Rafa is indeed pulling out of doubles because of his ankle injury. We'll find out more soon, when he does his interview, but I think it's just a precaution. More soon, as well as info from his press conference. . .

Now don't panic. Rafa did feel pain during the match, but he felt better later. He did indeed twist his ankle. He thinks he will be okay for singles. He said, "But [this] is more for precaution. You don't know tomorrow what's happen, no? But now I am happy because don't feel to much pain, no" But I can finish the match, so that's a good sign."

He said he felt some pain, but not enough to retire. He also says his physio (Juan) thinks he will be okay for the next singles match.

And he also liked the way he was playing. He said, and this is cute, "I think I play well all match, I think. Do you think?"

He's very excited about playing Baghdatis. He has a lot of motivation to do well in that match given how well Marcos has done lately.

Overally, he's happy with the results he has been posting after being off from the game for so long. He has never played Marcos before, even in juniors.

He sounded pretty upbeat in the interview, and what was really nice is that I saw him in the cafeteria a bit later. I met Sarah and Claire for a late dinner in the cafeteria, and about 15 minutes later, Rafa comes in. Sarah was over getting something else to eat, and she noted that Rafa bought M&M's, and his coach bought this huge stack of cookies. Rafa walked out, literally throwing M&M's up and catching them in his mouth. He looked over at Sarah, Claire and me, and he smiled and waved. It was very cute. And his coached followed with cookies -- apparently for later consumption.

Guess those kilos will be coming back.

But he looked very upbeat, and not like someone who was going to have to withdraw fromt the tournament. But he had to take care, given that you could tell from the replay that he did roll his ankle.

Oh, one cool thing from Matt, our Knight in Shining Armor. I asked about Rafa's interview tonight, and he said we should know something soon. So I went into the interview room. When it was announced Rafa was pulling out of doubles, he called into the interview room to make sure I would know it and could report it to you all right away, which I did. The media coordination here is absolutely wonderful. Thanks, Matt!!!