Rafa Surpasses Borg's Record with 47 consecutive wins on clay

He won, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0. He gave away nothing in that last set. What a fighter he is. I'm just so proud of him!!!

They are going to have the trophy ceremony shortly, but since it will all be in Spanish, or actually Catalan, I doubt I'll understand any of it. And I kind of doubt that the commentators speak Catalan.

Rafa is kissing the woman who gave him the trophy -- probably that will be a huge discussion on the GF thread.

He has a huge smile, as he kisses the trophy. And he bites the handle.

Commentators are saying that TR was intimidated by Rafa for the match. He's holding up a red car, so I guess he won a car, too. Just what he needs -- he has about 5 now, and he's never home to drive them.

Oh, no, TTC is now panning to an interview with James Blake. Bad vibes there. Better turn off the TV. ;-)

Sunday: Rafa vs. Robredo (Set 3)

That was a nerve wracking service game. But you could tell Tommy knew he had to hold and try to win that set, because to come back and win 3 sets in a row will be a tough task against Sr. Nadal.

TR to serve. He has 3 times as many UE's as Rafa. It's made the difference, even though he has hit more winners. Great pass by Rafa. 0-15. Trademark BH passing shot. BH goes long. 0-30. FH down the line. 0-40. Rafa is getting comfortable now. Fist pump. 3 BP's. FH error. Game Rafa.

1-0, RN.

Rafa to serve. He has a 10-1 record at the Barca tournament. Interesting stat. Rafa misses drop shot. Little too cute there. I think that mnatch he lost was against Corretja the first time he played the event. Rafa got a wild card. 15-15. Nice volley by Rafa. Now that he's up 2 sets, he's mixing things up a bit. TR hits long. 30-15. Another error. 40-15. Rafa misses bh, but he didn't have much chance there. 40-30. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fault. Rafa, you aren't in the locker room yet. Must keep fighting and he does. He draws the UE. Game, RN.

2-0, RN

FH goes wide. 0-15. Another UE. 0-30. Rafa wants to get to the locker room, I guess. FH winner there. TR looks frustrated. 15-30. I can imagine why. Tommy pulls the trigger and goes long. 15-40. Two BP's. Rafa is keeping the pressure on, making TR try to hit the winner. Fault. TR ran down angle volley, and saves one BP. He breaks with smash volley. He's in full Rafa mode now.

3-0, RN

Rafa hits long. 30-15. Although he's picked up his level play, probably coz he has such a nice lead. OH winner by TR. The commentators said that it seems TR has given up. But he played two good points in this game. 30-30. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fault. Nice passing shot. 40-30. Fault. FH UE by Tommy. Rafa wins game.

4-0, RN

TR serving. 15-0. Great lob by Rafa. Tommy couldn't pull off the between the legs shot. 15-15. Screaming BH angle winner. He's showing us why he's the King of Clay. 15-30. The pass didn't work there. 30-30. Commentators are saying TR has had best success at the net today, if he get in position to get there. Good serve. 40-30. But Rafa is fighting. Not giving away anything. Fault. Nice return. Deuce. BH volley winner. Ad Tr. Misses FH though. Deuce. They are saying that Nadal breaks down his opponents. And he did there, FH goes wild. Ad Rafa for another break. Return into net. Deuce. Ad TR. He's fighting to win the game. BH down the line winner. Deuce. Fault. What was that, Rafa! FH goes wild. Ad TR. Let. Fault. FH goes wide. Ad Rafa. Commentators are saying that Rafa isn't going to give Robredo anything. Successful lob by TR. But Rafa did all he could to run that down. Another UE by TR. Ad RN. Fault. Misses again. And Rafa wins game. Man, that is pressure. TR very frustrated. Actually, I had Rafa winning the game a point before he did. But he won it.

5-0, RN.

Serving for Championship, and to surpass Borg's clay court streak. Vamos, Rafa!!! Adjusts socks, all is right with the world!!! DF. Maybe he's a little nervous here. First DF since opening set. BH UE. 15-15. TR hits long. 30-15. Two points away from another milestone in his young career. OH winner after he draw Rafa out wide. 30-30. TR wants to win at least one game this set. Vamos, Rafa!!! BH goes long. Championship point for Rafael Nadal!!! Vamos, Rafa!!! The crowd has been very even for both players. Rafa is so focused. Misses FH angle, after bludgeoning TR. Rafa can't believe he missed it. Deuce. Drop shot, and then Rafa is able to pass at the net. Second championship point by Rafa. Toni is laughing. Rafa takes his time. Retrurn into net, for historkic win. Rafa is one happy kid, as he ascknowledges the crowd.

6-4, 6-4, 6-0. Well done, Rafa!!

Sunday: Rafa vs. Robredo (Set 2)

Tommy will serve first. Rafa is playing well. He seems confident, and he's making TR work for every point. Can't ask for anything more at the moment. Vamos, Rafa!!!

Commentators are saying that TR is intimidated by Rafa.

My graphic tells me that Robredo is servicio. TR is getting more aggressive. Commentators say he has to do that. Fault. His misses FH. 15-15. Rafa hits long. 30-15. Toni biting his nails, as usual. Rafa mishits FH. Not happy with himself. Commentators say this isn't a perfect match by Rafa, but that he's won the points he has needed. Game TR.

0-1, TR

They are noting that Rafa is tied with Borg with 46 clay wins, and is going for for No. 47. They don't think he'll match Evert's 120 or so clay wins. Gilas (otherwise known as Guillermo Vilas *lol*) has 53 wins. Fault. Rafa's FH draws error. 15-0. They are talking about Rafa's loss to Andreev in Valencia last year and how he was tired after playing Miami. 30-15. I still think Rafa should have skipped Valencia last year, but he didn't call and ask me. Fault. 40-15. Game RN. With an ace.

1-1, RN

Commentators talking about Rafa's superstitions. Nice volley by TR. 15-0. Fault. TR misses drop shot. Glad Rafa didn't do that one. 15-15. They just showed Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario. Rafa hits out. 30-15. BH goes wide. They are saying Robredo is playing smarter against Nadal. Game TR. And I'm afraid they are right. Vamos, Rafa!!!

1-2, TR.

This is still very much a match. Rafa can't lose focus. He has to keep fighting!!! Ready to serve. His first serve percentage is 73. Nice BH angle. 15-0. Bh goes long. 30-0. Rafa isn't going for lots on his serves. Bad miss by Rafa on overhead. That ball may have gone out if he had let it bounce. Toni encourages Rafa. Rafa was not happy with himself on that one. 30-15. Tommy misses FH there. 40-15. Rafa is really peppering the TR backhand, though. Fault. It was long. Killer FH winner by TR off that second serve. Nothing Rafa could do. 40-30. Great 1, 2 punch by our baby bull. Game RN.

2-2

BH winner by Robredo. 15-0. He is staying aggressive. FH winner. He's going for it. 30-0. But he really has to do so. Misses drop shot. 30-15. Volley winner. 40-15. Ace. Game TR. Easy service game for him.

2-3, TR.

Rafa to serve. He needs to keep fighting!!! Getting ready to serve. BH into net. 15-0. My family is waking up, so it's noisy around here now. Can't hear the commentators as well. The blender noise isn't helping any. 30-0. Fault. TR misses FH. 40-0. Great FH by Rafa draws short ball, and he puts it away. Game RN.

3-3.

Rafa changes racquets. Maybe this is the magic one to break Tommy. BH miss by TR. 0-15. Nice volley by TR. Rafa couldn't run that down. 15-15. BH miss there. 15-30. Vamos, Rafa!!! FH winner, nothing Rafa could do. 30-30. Great point by Rafa. What an angle. He gets the BP. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fault. He gets a second serve. TR gets the shot ball and puts it away. Deuce. Both guys are fighting. Fault. FH winner, as Rafa moves in wrong direction. Ad TR. Tommy is pumped. Ace. He holds.

3-4, TR.

It's a bummer Rafa didn't win that last game, but Tommy stepped and won the game. So hopefully Rafa can stay focused on his on serve. Vamos, Rafa!!! The Nadal camp is eating ice creams. Fault. Second serve ace out wide. 15-0. Fh goes wide, after long rally. 30-0. Fault. BH goes long. 40-0. Rafa is remaining tough. Winner by TR. 40-15. Rafa looked at him, like, "Why did you do that?" FH goes wide. He holds.

4-4

This match is very close. Commentators think Rafa should tighten up his game a bit more. Great pass by Rafa. TR couldn't handle it. 0-15. Fault. FH into net. 15-15. Rafa is looking focused, though. FH miss. Great defense by Rafa. 15-30. Let. Rafa misses volley. 30-30. He's mad at himself. 30-40 after TR error. Break point for Rafa. Fault. That serve was close. FH winner. He was a man on a mission in that game.

5-4, RN.

Serving for set. He's doing all his pre-serving stuff. Adjusting socks, etc. Taking his time. Let. Rafa misses FH. Too bad because he had it set up perfectly. 0-15. Vamos, Rafa!!! Great point by Rafa. 15-15. They are talking that Rafa isn't the best drop shotter out there, but it worked there. Fist pump. The call on that ball was bizarre. I guess Rafa won the point, but not sure. 30-15. It was a late call I guess. And Rafa uses a drop shot to get two set points. Commentators are saying that he used perfect shot selection there. 40-15. Vamos, Rafa!!! Rafa is happy about that. Toni looking relaxed. FH winner by TR. Rafa seemed surprised by that. Tommy isn't going to hand this match to him.; Vamos, Rafa!!! Punto de set 2. FH is too good. Deuce. Come on, Rafa. Keep fighting!!! Fault. This point is key. Another FH too good. He's playing so aggressive here. He earns BP. Oh, no!!! Three outstanding FH winners. Ad TR. Vamos, Rafa!!! That bh went wide. Rafa yells Vamos. Deuce. Great point Rafa. Boy guys showing great stuff. Ad Rafa. Another set point. Vamos, Rafa!!! He jumped with that one. Fault. Come on, Rafa!!! Error by TR on second serve. Game Rafa.

6-4, 6-4. Keep your eye on the prize, Rafa

Sunday: Rafa vs. Robredo (Set 1)

I will have live coverage on The Tennis channel for Rafa's match against Tommy Robredo at the Open Seat Godo in Barcelona.

Rafa is the defending champion, and if he wins, he will surpass Bjorn Borg's record of 46 consecutive clay court victories.

So join us back here at 6:30 a.m. PDT, and we'll give you play-by-play coverage.

Vamos, Rafa!!!

Good morning. I'm awake, and TTC coverage has started. They are doing a preview now, saying that Rafa has the edge in all categories except serve and volley.

This match is best of 5. Noting this is Rafa's sixth event in 2006.

Rafa is wearing blue piratas, and a white shirt, with a green stripe on the shoulder. White bandana.

BTW, I forgot to mention I heard the fall line of Nike will not have piratas at all, and Rafa will be back in shorts this summer.

Just showed Toni and Carlos Costa.

First Game. TR to serve. He wins his first service game, at love. Forehand winner on last poiont.

0-1, TR.

Rafa to serve. He adjusts his socks and things. Tommy misses FH. 15-0. Rafa had set up the point perfectly, but missed the volley. Commentators said he didn't change his grip in time. Rafa hits FH out. Tommy is attacking Rafa's BH. 15-30. Fault. Mishit by TR. 30-30. Another mishit, thankfully, after long rally. 40-30. Tommy is hitting the ball well, and going for his forehands. Fault. DF. Deuce. Commentatots saying he is a bit shaky at the moment, maybe nerves. Come on, Rafa!!! Vamos!!! Good serve. Ad RN. He has his Vamos Rafa shoes on. So he knows we are there supporting him. Rafa into net. Deuce. BH error by TR. Ad Rafa. FH error. He holds.

1-1

TR to serve. Great rally, And Rafa hits FH angle winner. 0-15. Mishit by Rafa. He yells at himself 15-15. Fault. Commentators saying Rafa is aware of the record he is going for. 15-30, as Rafa attacks TR backhand. Beautiful FH winner by Rafa. 15-40. Two breakpoints! Vamos!!! Another FH. He breaks, and is in full flight at the moment.

2-1, RN

Rafa to serve. Adjusts his socks. All is right in Rafa world. Fault. Well that was a double fault. So maybe he needs to adjust his socks better. 0-15. Vamos!!! Rafa killed him with his FH on that point. 15-15. TR misses the BH pass. 30-15. TR hits long. Commentators saying that Nadal is all over the Robredo backhand (like a cheap suit -- I added that last part). Fault. Misses dropshot. Game RN.

3-1, RN.

TR to serve. Commentators think TR is pressing a bit. Fault. BH into net. 15-0. TR misses FH. 15-15 Hits BH long. 15-30. The commentators think he's losing his confidence. Fault. Rafa misses BH. 30-30. Ace. 40-30. Great get by Nadal but couldn't win the point. TR wins game.

3-2, RN

Rafa to serve. They are talking about Rafa's physique. See, Lovely isn't the only one. Fault. Great second kick serve. 15-0. BH goes long. Rafa is peppering the TR backhand. Fault. They are saying Rafa is now playing the game his own way. But he just hit another DF. That's three in this match. 15-15. Showing Toni. His son must be with him. Beautiful angle FH by Rafa. 30-15. BH mishit. 40-15. Looks like a beautiful sunny day in Barca. Wait, I missed a point somewhere that Rafa won. Game Nadal.

4-2, RN

TR comes to net. 15-0. Fault. Rafa misses BH down the line. 30-0. Rafa is making Tommy hit tons of backhands, though. BH into net. 30-15. Rafa is putting on as much pressure as he can. Fault. Rafa misses BH, but he is making Tommy work. 40-15. Fault. Rafa just misses FH. Game TR.

4-3, RN

Rafa to serve. They are saying that TR has never won more than 6 games against Rafa in a match, but those were best of 3 matches. FH winner by TR. 0-15. Rafa checks the mark and asks chair umpire to check it. It looks out to me. Confirms that Rafa was right. He overturns call, Tommy not happy. 15-0. BH into net by Rafa. Tommy worked hard for that point. 15-15. Fault. Great point by TR. 15-30. Keep fighting, Rafa!!! Fault. TR took advantage of a short ball. 15-40. Two BP's by TR. Tommy is pumped. Vamos, Rafa!!! BH goes long. Saves one BP. Vamos, Rafa!!! BH goes wide. Deuce. Vamos, Rafa!!! Adjusts pants, so he's a bit nervous there. Great FH by Rafa. Ad Rafa. Fist pump by Rafa. Tommy misses BH. Great game by Rafa.

5-3, RN.

Robredo to serve. Sorry I'm getting more scores wrong here. It's so much to be able to watch his match instead of just following scores. 30-0. Rare UE by Rafa. Fault. Tommy pulls the BH trigger; it goes out. 30-15. He's making a lot of errors of that side. Fault. Overruled, Rafa agrees. First serve. FH goes wide. 30-30. Rafa hits BH long. 40-30. Rafa is fighting for every point, though. TR misses FH. Deuce. TR is pressing, according to commentators. Fault. BH into net. Ad TR. TR holds.

5-4, RN

Rafa to serve for set. Rafa adjusts socks, and his pants. Commentators talking about his idiosyncracies. Fault. We must getting the Spanish feed for this match. Because the graphic just said Rafa is serving for the set, but said it in Spanish. 15-0. FH goes long. 15-15. He needs to shave. I don't think he shaves at all during events. TR passes. 15-30. Rafa got to the drop shot, but couldn't do much win it. This is an important point. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fault. FH goes wide. Rafa yells something. 30-30. Rafa pounds forehands to TR's backhand. 40-30. Punto de Set. According to the Spanish graphic. My Spanish has improved in the three years I've been doing this site. Winner by TR, FH going behind Rafa. Deuce. Beautiful serve, and Rafa serves and volleys. Another set point. Vamos, Rafa!!! Punto de set 2. Fh winner by Rafa. Fist pump. Rafa takes first set, 6-4.

Nike's New "Vamos Rafa" Promotional Campaign

On April 24 in Barcelona, Rafa unveiled the sleeveless shirt he will wear in Barcelona. In addition, Nike displayed its intent to capitalize on the trademark "Vamos Rafa" phrase we fans have been using to support him since vamosrafael.com was started in 2003.

Rafa not only wore a shirt with the phrase Vamos Rafa Nadal, he also wore shoes saying "Vamos" on the left and "Rafa" on the right.

This indirect support of our site is wonderful. We are sure that when Rafa puts on his Vamos Rafa shoes and takes to the court, it will remind of his legion of fans supporting him at vamosrafael.com and around the world!

Vamos, Rafa!

Unfortunately, we have been unable to do live match blogging because TV coverage is so limited. But The Tennis Channel has added the Barca final to its programming. So if Rafa is there, so will we:



Sunday, April 30
Time (EST) Program Title
9:30 AM Barcelona - Open Seat Godo : Finals (LIVE)


But we have added a wonderful live chat feature to our Messageboard. It is available to all registered board members, and we will once again be able to have Chat parties. Please check out the new feature which is accessed by clicking the "Chat" icon right below our VR banner.

Rafa Board and Chatroom

And a special thank you to Josefina for giving us daily reports from Barca this week. We've enjoyed her on-the scene info, and we also want to thank Cin for the English translations.

Vamos to our VR team!!!!!

"Nadalmania" Rules in Barca!!!

Thanks to Josefina we have on-the updates from the Open Seat Godo in Barcelona, as translated by Cin. Muchas gracias, ladies!

It is apparent things are very different with Barcelona, where Rafa is a huge here. Unlike MAC and SE's experience in Monte Carlo, getting close to Rafa is nearly impossible.

Monday/Tuesday

I am in Barcelona. Things at Godó are with too much sun, and security is so strict.
Oportunities to see Rafa are a few, that is the truth.

When they are on the practice courts, security men close the doors and only the media can access to them.

But we can know that Rafa is in the club, because I could see his car at the entry. It is a Kia, and says “Kia – Rafael Nadal”.

As you know, he will play tomorrow agains Feli, and I hope could tell you more.
When I bought the tickets I didn’t realize that they are not on the front of the players' chairs. They are for behind them, so I will be sit oppositte Rafa tomorrow.
I will take pictures but not so close to him.

Wednesday:

We continue on a sunny day in Barcelona and to find Rafa is still a impossible mission. Every day is more people following him. So, the anothe option is: To see tennis!

I started seeing Nieminen vs Kohlschreiber match on the court three. This court has one good thing, it has the sit beside the corridor, which players pass when they go from the house of the club to the practising courts. Too much noise here, because, as you can imagine, there will be too many people looking for a Rafa’s signature.

Ferrero vs Beto Martin… It is a crazy thing to sit behind a player that people wants to be close, because they analyze how he wears, during the match they dont respect the silence... “Ferrero your are a good boy, the best, please give me something frm you, give you towel, something...I want you signature..” All people want something.

Costa vs Hrbaty… Costa retires of professional tennis in this tournament.
He is kind, cute, pleasant with people, even during the match. The first day Costa had a hard match but yesterday he won easier than before and playing good tennis.

Next match on central court: Rafa Nadal vs Feliciano López, but I had to wait 40 minutes...

I went to see Robredo vs Potito Starace... second and definitive 6-0. Just finished before Rafa’s match started.

Rafa came to central court, people adored him. He sat on his chair. He has too bottles of water...ohh Surprise! The bottles have his name on. NADAL... some players have their own bottles, but it is the first time I see the name on them.

Central Court is a full. People I didn’t see on previous days, come to see Rafa Nadal. Even press box has people. Every day there are ten journalists but today is almost full...

The match starts and Rafa put quickly 2-0 up, but when he is serving por 3-0, Feli breaks. Next the games more or less are disputed until the 5-4 that Rafa is able to make break him to the Feli to gain the Set 6-4.

Second set: Feli committed more errors and everything was easier for Rafa.
The match ends 6-4 and 6-2. it lasted one hour and quarter.

Kids go to Rafa chair... All people want something of him... He signs autographs and send his muñequeras to the air, the towels and such.

Tve and Tve3 interview Rafa.

It is time to go, but Rafa decides to sign autographs to the other side on the court. An exemplary behavior by him, without a doubt...

The multitude disappears in the match of Verdasco versus Calleri... lost Calleri.

Tennis finishes for today, tomorrow will be another day... Rafa will play against Ivan Navarro Pastor...

Thursday

Cloudy day in Barcelona, it is perhaps badly an omen?

Godo without sun is not the same, so I decide to go later than yesterday to the club.

When I arrive I see one boys running, Rafa finishes arriving in one from seat of the organization, (the kia is in the same place), and I ask Rafa to sign my ticket, because I don’t have any thing else.

I go for a walk, and then I see David Ferrer training on court three...
Albert Costa goes out and walks to the practising court. I see suddenly that one camara of the TVE remains in that court... They begin to fall drops of rain, but I think for someone important must be coming to train. Ferrero goes out with Perlas and people of his team and then they go to the court beside.

At 12 noon, Rafa appears, and go training with Albert Costa, and then with his uncle Toni.

When the training was ending Carlos Costa appears and takes Rafa for the club and the children who were hoping for autographs did not get any.

After that I went to central court and I could see the ending of Almagro against Coria. When it finished I came back to hotel to have lunch and to change my clothes.
Sun is going out. Who were signing on the Sport Man stand?? Rafael Nadal, ejej.
There were a lot of people asking for a signature. Impossibe mission!!! But I could take some pictures.

One of the security guards was the same one that were in central court near my seat and he let to me pass so that it was able to make a photo that is not moved...
I hope the day goes on well.

And it did, with some strange twists.

Second part of the day. Albert Costa leaves profesional tennis in a match he lost to Ferrero. People do stop to applaud. He is a CRACK, yeah!

Rafa Nadal and Ivan Navarro arrives to the central court when Albert Costa leaves it. ATP members have arrived before to give Rafa a prize.

Unlike yesterday, today there was less public in central court. Maybe because people thought that Rafa will win fast or maybe because the sky was cloudy and it seems to rain sometime.

The first Set was very disputed, Rafa can’t win easy the points, but the surprise came in the second Set...

Nothing related to tennis. Suddenly, a girl with a mask in her face jumped to the central court and she was tied to the net. She took a poster with her that did not manage to unfold because the security guard wrinkled it.

Meanwhile Rafa waited next to the press box. Finally the people from maintenance arrived, they cut the her from the net and the security personnel took her.
The match finished with the result of 6-4 and 6-2, but I believe that all we continued thinking about the girl.

Tomorrow Rafa will play against Nieminen... not before 4.45...

¡¡¡ Vamos Rafa !!!

Stay tuned for more news from the front lines in Barca!!!

Josefina

Sunday: The Vamos Brigade Celebrates Rafa's Victory!

It's a great moment in Rafa-Land today. Today is Nathalia's birthday, and she's quite happy that Rafa gave her a nice birthday present. Indeed, he played so well today, especially to close out that tiebreak under pressure. Congratulations.

And our intrepid reporters in Monte Carlo were there to watch it all. Here's their report from the trenches. Thanks so much to them for all their news and photos this week. We got to live it through them, and that's almost as good as being there:

OH MY GOD!!!!!

What a match!

Far too emotional right now to write much of a blog. You have it easy on the cheering thread you know. With the possible exception of Jacob Higgins and JMFederer you aren't exactly surrounded by Federer fans as we were. Even the person behind us that I know from Wimbledon queuing was supporting Roger - complete with Swiss flag and constant shouts of "Go Roger!"

We shouted ourselves hoarse! British reserve went clean out of the window as we vamossed as though our lives depended on it.

What an incredible week it has been. All the way through we just went from match to match never daring to hope for this. We have been so lucky at every turn we couldn't believe that it would hold out for us right to the trophy ceremony.

And there was still a small piece of icing on the cake. After the players come off court down that passage there's a small area where people can gather to get things signed. Rafa went off carrying his Masters trophy and it looked like he said that he was just going to put that safe inside and then come out to do signings. Since this took quite a while there wasn't quite the usual hoard of small children waiting. This meant that when he did finally reappear SE got him to sign her program and I got my Hero shirt signed as well.

Lucky he has the retentive memory of a goldfish when it comes to faces.

All we need to know is did anyone see us on TV? We did hold the flag over the barrier both as the players went on and as Rafa came off.

And I guess I need to know where I can get hold of the whole lot on DVD.

Sorry we failed to get VR.com a mention. We'll just have to leave that to the next intrepid Vamos Brigade members.

I think this is the end of our Rafadventure now.

It has been wonderful sharing it with you all.

MAC & SE

Sunday: Rafa vs. Federer (Set 4)

I'm so happy Rafa won that last set. I had picked Rafa to win in 4, and I hope I'm right. Hear that, Sr. Nadal!!!

This match is still wide open, though. We cannot discount Federer, and I doubt Rafa will do that.

Fed to serve.

FH winner, hits the line. 15-0. Fed looks determined, though. I just hope Rafa makes him work,. 30-0. Gotta love it. Rafa forgot to put his sweat bands back on again. So he went and got them. Fault. That is SO Rafa. FH goes wide. 40-0. Fault. Fed hits BH wide. 40-15. Mistimed FH. 40-30. Keep fighting, Rafa! Easy pass by Rafa. Deuce. Adjusts his pants. All is right with the world. Screaming BH winner by Rafa. Ad RN. Roger hits wide. Rafa breaks. Vamos!!!

1-0, RN.

Rafa to serve. Hope MAC and SE are yelling loudly for our boy. FH goes long. And then he misses another. He's not happy. 30-0. Fault. DF. 30-15. Come on, Rafa! Keep fighting!!! BH goes long. 40-15. Let. Fault. Another DF. What's going on? Maybe he just is trying to stay aggressive. He takes his time. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! Another error by Fed. Well done, Rafa. Game Rafa.

2-0, RN.

Fed to serve. 15-0. Never underestimate this guy. Fault. Screaming FH winner by Rafa. 15-15. Another great FH, draw error. 15-30. Mirka doesn't look happy. The crowd is getting behind Fed. He hits a winner, and crowd responds. 30-30. Fault. FH was called out, and they can't find the mark. There is no readable mark, and the umpire is telling Roger that he can't overrule without a mark. Rafa keeps looking. So original call stands; the out call stands. Point goes to Rafa. 30-40. But the replay shows that it is out. So Rafa has breakpoint. Roger asked to replay the point, but didn't get it. And Nadal hits FH winner.

3-0, RN.

Rafa to serve, up two breaks. Keep fighting Rafa. He's won the last 6 games, and has broken Fed 3 times in a row. Which is pretty amazing in and of itself. Rafa FH into net. 0-15. Fault. He has to keep up his concentration. BH into net. 0-30. Rafa needs to say in the present, as the commentators are saying. Rafa ball was called out but then overruled. So they replay the point. Fault. 0-40. Three BP's, as Roger is just going for it now. One error. 15-40. Fault. Second error. 30-40. Now we just need one more, or a Rafa winner. Vamos, Rafa!!! Winner by Fed, and he breaks. Gets one break back.

3-1, RN.

Fed to serve. Rafa can't let up now. Keep fighting, Rafa. 15-0. FH winner by Fed. Fed is raising his level here, a clear challenge to Rafa, who just wants to hold on. 30-0. BH error. 30-15. 40-15. Game RF.

3-2, RN.

JB is saying the maybe a miracle will happen, and Roger will squeeze out this set. I hope not. Keep fighting, Rafa!!! If he lots Roger back in, he'll live to regret it, and you can quote me on that. Crowd seems pretty evenly divided over these players. Great FH by Rafa, reply goes long. 15-0. BH into net. 30-0. Shadows on court now. FH winner. 40-0. Rafa is getting more aggressive. Commentators are saying what I think -- Rafa has to win the match instead of hoping Fed will lose it. Another great angle by Rafa. Game RN.

4-2, RN.

Fed to serve. Rafa is changing his racquet. Adjusts socks and pants. Again, all is right with the world. Fed misses BH pass. 0-15. Fault. 15-15. Rafa BH sails. 30-15. Fed is getting more aggressive. He's fighting that's for sure. And Rafa needs to do the same. BH into net, UE. 30-30. 72 UE's by Fed. 36 by Rafa. 40-30. Volley winner by Fed.

4-3, RN.

Rafa to serve. He has to keep fighting and stay focused. It has to be hard, I'm sure, not to be nervous under these circumstances. FH winner by Rafa. Yells Vamos! 15-0. Bh goes long. 30-0. Fed still looks very cool and calm. Rafa BH into net. 30-15. Come on, Rafa!!! FH winner by Fed. 30-30. This is huge for both players. Fault. Bh winner by Fed. He has a BP. I'm not liking this at all. Vamos, Rafa!!! Keep fighting. Fault. Mishit by Rafa. Deuce. Rafa was a bit more aggressive there. Great FH winner by Fed. Another BP for him. Come on, Rafa! And he got it and broke. So back on serve.

4-4

Federer really raised his level of play there. Commentators are saying there was nothing Rafa could have done. Fault. Call was right, but Roger questioned it. Vamos. Great BH pass. 0-15. This really is an exciting match, especially if you don't care who wins. 15-15. 30-15. Fed is becoming Fed now. Rafa needs to be careful here. Lucky drop shot for Rafa. 30-30. Return goes long. 40-30. So game point for RF. Let. Ace.

4-5, RF.

Now Rafa has to serve to stay in the set. This is not something I'm happy about. To Roger's credit, he's turned things around, and making Rafa work a lot harder than he had to early in the set. Now it's up to Rafa to respond. Otherwise, we're looking at a fifth set. Commentators are noting that Rafa is under pressure now, and he is. Bh error by Fed. 15-0. Return goes long. 30-0. Fault. Great angle by Rafa. 40-0. Great work by Rafa. Holds at love. Toni happy about that, and me too.

5-5.

Fed to serve. Fault. Net helped Fed this time. 15-0. Fault. BH crosscourt winner. 30-0. Let. Return into net. 40-0. Game Fed.

5-6, RN.

Rafa to serve for a tiebreak. I'm sorry to say this, but I see a fifth set in the making. Fed is a dog with a bone right now, but I'm sure Rafa will keep fighting. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fed into net. 15-0. Fault. Great FH by Rafa 30-0. Commentators are saying that Rafa seems to play better when he's trailing. Great erve. 40-0. 40-15. FH just out. Let. Great BH by Fed. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! UE by Rafa. He's upset with himself. Deuce. Keep fighting, Rafa!!! Fault. Roger sprays FH. Rafa yells Vasmos. Ad Rafa. Roger is being very aggressive. Great FH by Rafa. On to the tiebreak.

6-6

0-1, RF.

I had to stop blogging and just watch. What a tiebreak.

HE WON!!!

6-2, 6-7, 3-6, 7-6.

Rafa is so happy! And so am I. Well done, Rafa. :D

Commentators are saying that they aren't sure Fed knows how to beat Nadal. He's now 4-1 against Fed, who doesn't look happy.

78 UE's by Fed; 39 by Rafa. 65 winners for him, and 44 for Rafa. He only converted 4 of 18 BP's. Rafa broke 7 of 14 -- 50%.

They are saying Nadal is the better player on clay.

Prince Albert is coming out to present the trophy. Fed doesn't look one bit happy. He's coming forward, and greeting the Prince. He's smiling now. He's getting the silver plate, and holding it up, half-heartedly. Don't think that will be going on mantle.

Now they are calling Rafa, who was tying his shoes. Toni is applauding him. He's talking with the Price. And he's holding up the trophy. He's smiling, and holding up the Masters Shield. He just bit it. :D

How wonderful for MAC and SE to be there in Monaco to see this. Glad you guys were there to support our baby bull.
They are playing the Monaco anthem now. And showing a Spanish flag that says Vamos Rafa! Rafa looks so happy. He really deserved this win, IMO. He played aggressive tennis when he had to.

And now they are talking to Federer.

Who is talking in French. I know he's complimenting Rafa. That one-dimensional player who keeps beating him. He said Thanks at the end. Otherwise, we'll need translation.

Now to Rafa. He is talking in Spanish. Great, we will need entire translation. Rasfa just complimented Rafa, I believe. He is thanking the tournament organizers. (And his girlfriend -- *just kidding* -- my Spanish isn't that good).

Now thanking the sponsors and ball kids and such. He's looking around to see who he should thank.

Toni is doing messages on his cell phone. Lots of family traits there.

He just thanked his family. And now they are taking photos of the finalists with the Prince.

The commentators are praising Rafa to the skies now. There's no doubt that Rafa's clay court game is still there, and he can produce it when necessary. Vamos!!!

Sunday: Rafa vs. Federer (Set 3)

Well, I wish we had a two set lead going into the third set. And we should have had one, but Rafa got a bit tight, and Federer took advantage. He is Federer after all.

Rafa just has to forget the second set, and keep pounding away, and not let his lapse in the second set get to him.

But I'm afraid that he's given Federer confidence, and that's what we all wanted to avoid.

Rafa to serve. Volley winner by Fed. He's going to come in as much as he can. 0-15. Rafa hits wide. He's a bit rattled I think. 0-30. Another volley winner. 0-40. Three BP's. UE by Fed. 15-40. Great serve. 30-40. RF into net. Deuce. It will be great if Rafa can win this game, and get himself back on track. Vamos!!! FH winner by Fed. Too good. Ad Fed. Come on, Rafa!!! Fault. Return goes way wide, thankfully. Deuce. UE by Rafa. He yells. Ad Fed again. Great volley winner by Rafa after a great drop shot effort. Deuce. Well played. Rafa hits wide. Ad Fed again. Vamos, Rafa! Fault. And Fed breaks. Not well done by Rafa.

0-1, RF.

The trainer is coming out to re-tape Rafa's finger. JB and Jason think he shouldn't be allowed to do this at this point. But they don't blame Nadal, they blame the rule. Rafa is getting his finger taped, with the blister.

Federer getting ready to serve. Rafa running out there.

15-0. 15-15. Fed hits long. Two hours of play. Rafa's bh goes wide. Mishit return. 40-15. FH winner. 40-30. Fault. Fed's FH goes long. Deuce. Fault. Return goes long. Ad Fed. Fault. DF. Deuce. So Fed is pressing. Fault. FH goes wide. Ad Rafa. Vamos!!! Fed misses volley. So Rafa breaks back. Well done, Rafa!

1-1.

Rafa to serve. FH winner. 15-0. Bh goes long. 30-0. Another error. 40-0. Fault. Rafa FH goes long. 40-15. Commentators noting that these guys are playing so close to the lines. BH goes long. Game Rafa.

2-1, RN.

Fed to serve. 15-0. Rafa complaining about something. Volley winner. 30-0. Fault. 40-0. Game Fed.

2-2.

Rafa to serve. Every game here is crucial. Rafa adjusts his socks and such. Let. 15-0. Good drop shot. 30-0. BH goes wide. 30-15. Fed hits long. 40-15. BH winner. 40-30. FH winner. Yells Vamos! Rafa holds.

3-2, RN.

Fed to serve. Vamos, Rafa!!! Let. FH winner. 15-0. Rafa couldn't get to it. Volley winner. Rafa didn't like a call on the serve. 30-0. Fault. FH goes wide. 40-0. Rafa is battling here. Mishit by Fed. 40-15. Fault. Fed into net. 40-30. Fault. Fed wins game.

3-3.

Rafa to serve. BH just misses, off the tape. 0-15. Vamos, Rafa!!! Great FH, he yells Vamos! 15-15. 30-15, as FH goes long. Fed has 50 UE's, and Rafa has 29. Fed passes, as Rafa comes to net. 30-30. Big point. Come on, Rafa!!! Fed hits long. Rafa happy about that. 40-30. Fault. Come on, Rafa!!! OH winner by Fed. Deuce. Vamos, Rafa!!! 9 of 12 won at the net. UE by Fed. Rafa yells vamos. Ad Rafa. Vamos, Rafa!!! Rafa misses FH. May be a little tense. Deuce. But he's playing well overall. Vamos, Rafa!!! Fault. What a point. Fed wins it, but great volleying by both guys. Ad Fed. Come on, Rafa! UE by Fed. Rafa yells Vamos! Deuce. FH winner, amzing. Ad RN. Fist pump. Mishit. Game RN. Well done by our baby bull.

4-3, RN.

This is quite a dog fight, in my view. Rafa was lucky to get through that last game. Fed to serve. Great serve. Rafa returns it and Fed hits FH into net. 15-0. 15-15. Roger hits FH long. 15-30. Fault. Rafa hits FH long. 30-30. That was a missed opportunity here. Let. BH into net. 30-40. Rafa has a BP. Vamos, Rafa!!! Rafa is 2/13 on BP's. Now 2/14. Deuce. S&V. Ad RF. Federer says come on,. Fault. BH sails. Deuce. Fault. Rafa just misses. Ad RF. Fault. Bh error. Deuce. This would be a thrilling match if I didn't care who won. Fault. Yep, great pass by Rafa. Ad RN. But he couldn't convert his second BP. Roger was too good. Deuce. What a battle! Fault. Another BH error. Ad RN. Neither Mirka nor Toni seems completely at ease during this match. I can understand why. Vamos! He breaks. With BH cross-court winner.

5-3, RN.

Rafa serves for the set. Vamos, Rafa! Let's hope it's different that what happened in the last set. 0-15. Great point by Fed. Vamos! Another BH angle winner. 15-15. Great rallys here. BH UE by Fed. 30-15. Vamos, Rafa!!! Great play by Rafa. 40-15. Two set points. Vamos, Rafa!!! Toni can't sit still, according to JB. Rafa just misses a volley. But amazing he got to the drop shot at all. 40-30. One more set point. Vamos!!! Great serve and FH. He wins the set. Vamos!!!

Wins 6-3. They have been playing 2 hours and 48 minutes.

Sunday: Rafa vs. Federer (Set 2)

Rafa is off to a great start, and is playing very well. But Federer is going to try to assert himself in the next set. Let's hope Rafa keeps his foot on the pedal as the match goes on. Vamos, Rafa!!!

Fed took a time-out to get his foot re-wrapped. Now the commentators are discussing the signifance of Rafa having his finger taped before the matdch.

15-15. Fault. Mishit by RN. FH winner by RN. 30-30. Volley winner by Fed. 40-30. Fault. Bh winner. Game RF.

0-1, RF.

Rafa to serve. Vamos, Rafa! Return long. 15-0. This is the first time since 1985 that the Nos. 1 and 2 have faced off in a final here. 30-0. Fist pump by our baby bull. Fault. Pass goes wide. 30-15. Commentators say Fed needs to come to net to succeed. Fault. Rafa misses drop shot. Not good. 30-30. Come on, Rafa! Great exchange at net, and Rafa won it. 40-30. Fault. BH goes wide. Game RN.

1-1.

RF to serve. Fault. Return goes long. 15-0. Let. Mishit by Rafa. 30-0. FH wide. 30-15. Commentators are quiet. Ace. 40-15. Fault. Return into net. Game RF. On serve.

1-2, RF.

Rafa to serve. The stadium is packed. Rafa doing all the necessary adjusting. Socksx are in place. Too good by Rafa. 15-0. Fault. Nice drop shot by Rafa. 30-0. Vamos!!! BH error by Fed. 40-0. FH goes long. 40-15. Two more game points. Rafa forces the error that time. Rafa holds.

2-2.

RF to serve. S&V. 15-0. Error by Fed. 15-15. Fed is looking a tiny bit frustrated. 30-15. Fault. FH error by Rafa. He was not happy with that weak reply. 40-15. Let. Fh winner by Fed. Game RF. Price Albert is clapping. Commentators saying the battle is getting closer, and it is.

2-3, RF.

Rafa to serve. JB is saying that Rafa's serve isn't the best in the world. BH goes long. 15-0. Let. Great FH winner. 30-0. Ditto. Man, that's good stuff. 40-0. Return long. Game RN.

3-3.

Fed to serve. Rafa ready for this game. 0-15. Nice volley by Rafa. 0-30. Fault. Amazing FH winner by our baby bull. 0-40. Three BP's. Vamos!! He breaks after RF error.

4-3, RN.

Rafa to serve. Commentators are talking about how Rafa was able to break in the last game -- it was lovely. Let's hope the momentum continues. Remember this is Federer, so you can't get too comfortable. Another FH winner by Rafa. 15-0. Return into net. 30-0. Vamos, Rafa! Mishit return. 40-0. Mirka is not looking happy. JB is saying it's an uncertain performance by Fed. Rafa into net. 40-15. Return goes wide, but chair checked it and it just touched the edge. Overruled. Replay the point. But Rafa wins the point anyway. Game Rafa.

5-3, RN.

Unreturnable serve. 15-0. FH volley winner. 30-0. Commentators are saying that Fed has made way too many UE's this match. BH goes long. 40-0. 18/23, Roger's success at net. Game Fed. That was quick.

5-4, RN.

This game is very important for Rafa. If he can go up two sets in clay, it will make things complicated for RF. So Vamos, Rafa!!! FH winner hits the line. 0-15. Come on, Rafa. Fault. The crowd is really pulling for Roger now. Great point, and Rafa finishes it with a great drop shot. 15-15. The right shot at the right time, according to JB and Jason. Fault. BH goes wide. 15-30. Come on, Rafa! Fault. He could use a first serve. And DF. 15-40. First DF. Vamos!! Let. RF hits long. 30-40. One more BP. Vamos!! Mishit return. Deuce. 18th UE for Fed. Vamos!! Fault. Let, second serve. Toni is smiling. FH winner pass by Rafa. Set point for Rafa. Vamos!! Toni encouraging our boy. Fault. Fh goes long. Deuce. This is a battle. Rafa may be a little tight, according to JB. DF, and he may be right. Another BP for Fed. Vamos!! UE by Fed. Got lucky there. Deuce. Vamos!! FH winner by Fed, and he's showing emotion. Ad Fed. Rafa is a bit nervous. Rafa misses drop shot. Fed breaks.

5-5.

Commentators think this is a turning point. Cone on, Rafa. This time the drop shot works. 0-15. Mishit by Rafa. 15-15. Another one. 30-15. Rafa needs to regroup a bit. Vamos!!! Fault. 40-15. Fed wins the drop shot.

5-6, RF.

Rafa to serve to take it to the tiebreak. I think he has gotten a bit nervous. Hopefully he'll make Federer work for this set. Because Rafa is the better player on clay, if Rafa plays well. Vamos!!! Rafa adjusts everything, per usual. 15-0. Great point. Fed is really working to break here. Into net. 30-0. BH goes wide. 30-15. Fed misses BH volley. 40-15. FH error. Game Rafa.

6-6, Tiebreak.

*nailbiter*

0-1, RF. Volley winner by RF.

Federer has won all but 1 of his tiebreaks this year. Not a good stat for our boy.

1-1. Fed misses volley.

1-2, RF. Rafa hits long. So he's down a mini-break. Vamos!!!

1-3 RF. Another miss by Rafa.

1-4, RF. Rafa into net. This isn't going well. Vamos!!!

2-4, RF. Rafa winner. Switch sides.

2-5, RF. Volley winner by RF. Vamos!!!

2-6, RF. Misses return. 4 set points for RF.

Ace.

Federer wins set.

Sunday: Rafa vs. Federer (Set 1)

Okay, I'm awake. And so is Rsfa so far.

2-0, RN.

Rafa is serving. RF has BP. Mishit by RF. JB (John Barratt) says total mishit. BH goes long. Ad RN. RF has lots of UE's, according to JB. Deuce. As Rafa hits inhto net. Winner by Fed. Ad Fed. Winner by RN. Deuce. Great serve. Ad, Rafa. Vamos!!! Fed into Net. Game, RN.

4-0, RN.

Fed to serve.

Commentators are talking about how well Fed did against Martin and Ferrer. 15-0. But they are saying Rafa is a different proposition. Mishit by Fed. 15 all. Mirka is being shown on TV. 15-30. Volley by Fed. 30-30. Great shot by Rafa. 30-40. Another BP. Good serve. Deuce. FH winner by Fed. Ad Fed. Another FH winner. Game, RF

4-1, RN.

Rafa to serve. They are showing the flags from Switzerland and Espana. Rafa getting ready to serve, adjusts socks and such. Fault. Fed has won 7 of 9 points at the net. 0-15. UE by RF. 15-15.

Please let folks know I'm doing the blog this time.

Fed going to the RN backhand. 15-30. 30-30, as Rafa does great FH's. Fault. My alarm is going off again. Just in case I didn't get up. But I am. 40-15. Fault. Fed hits long. Game RN

5-1, RN.

Fed to serve. UE by Rafa, and then DF. 15-15. Fault. FH winner by RF. 15-30. Fault. Fed is really going for it. He has to. RF hits long. 30-30. Amazing BH winner by Rafa. 30-40. Another BP. Set point. Short ball, and Fed replies. Deuced. RF is trying to figure out how to handle Rafa on clay. Ad Fed. After a good serve. Great gets by Rafa. Deuce. Commentators are saying that with Rafa you have to win the point a couple times against Nadal. BH goes wide. Ad Rafa. Vamos!! Another set point. Fault. Return error by RN. He yells. Deuce. Volley winner by Fed. Ad Fed. Rafa hits FH long.

5-2, RN.

Rafa to serve. Newe balls. Rafa serving for set. Fault. FH goes wide. 15-0. My impression is that Federer is working to see how to figure out how to play Rafa on clay. Great drop shot by Rafa. 30-0. Rafa is doing the appropriate adjusting. And he's playing well. 40-0. Three set points on his own serve. BH error. He wins the set. 6-2. Vamos!!!

Saturday: Rafa vs. Gaudio - MAC's Report from the Front Lines

OK we're back in the hotel now feeling pretty vamossed out!

We cheered until we were hoarse and waved the flag like crazy. Luckily we had amazing support from a little lad next to us who shouted "Allez Nadal" and "Vamos Rafa" at virtually every point. We want to adopt him as drummer boy for the Vamos Brigade. Or maybe cabin boy for the seaborne division out in the harbour at Villefranche.

The atmosphere at the match was incredible. Up until now we haven't really had much to worry about and most of the matches we've seen have been pretty straightforward. The only other one with real atmosphere was the Coria Keifer match and as previously reported that was bizarre in the extreme.

Cannot say I exactly warmed to Gaudio today. Some of his behaviour was a bit suspect to say the least. And I'd like someone to explain why Rafa got a warning for timewasting when Gaston did it all the time. The concept of moving quickly on to the next point is clearly not one with which he is familiar.

In all other respects today has been totally Rafa free I'm afraid. I had thought of riding up and down in the lifts all evening just on the off chance but suspect that might get some pretty strange looks. Unless, of course, I pretend to be the newly recruited lift attendant. Trouble is there are six lifts so it could be tricky.

We cannot believe how lucky we are. When we booked these tickets we did kind of hope that we would see lots of Rafa but the losses in IW and Miami had made us a little nervous. We came therefore in the hope of seeing at least one round and prepared to have a good time in the South of France whatever.

MAC

Saturday: Rafa to play Rogelio in the final!!

It's amazing what Rafa is able to do while I'm sleeping.

The alarm went off, I acknowledged it, and then went right back to sleep. I guess my membership in the Rafael Nadal fan club is about to be revoked, or at least my Queen Bee status anyway.

Thank goodness for The Tennis Channel. I can watch the replay at 5 p.m.

Although I wouldn't know for sure, it appears the match was tough for Rafa at the outset. Gaudio got off to a good start, but even though Rafa lost the set, at 5-7, he kept fighting and then ran away with the matdh (as he would like to say), winning 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

I wasn't' surprised that Roger beat Fernando Gonzalez, but Gonzo has been playing some great tennis all week. It really shows Roger's excellent form at the moment.

One would hope I'll be awake for the Rafa vs. Federer final tomorrow, although I may want to sleep through it. It probably will be a nail-biting experience, given how well Roger has been playing this week. Yes, this is Rafa's best surface, but he still isn't in top claycourt form yet.

Vamos, Rafa!!!

Saturday: Pre-Semis News!

Susan is setting her alarm to get up to do the daily blog, which should start about 4:30 a.m. PDT. But in the mean time, MAC has more to report from Monte Carlo.

She and SE are having a great time, and we are loving these reports:

It's now Saturday morning.

To answer some of the previous questions - Rafa was in the bar with his family and had just finished drinking a coke.

He left just after we got there but since I was in the middle of ordering a drink we couldn't down everything and rush off behind him to find out where he was going.

Have to admit to popping up to walk past his room but frankly felt too much like stalkers and rushed away before anyone spotted us. The corridors are woefully lacking in large plants to offer any kind of cover. There is no reasonable excuse for being up there and saying "Whoops, isn't this the lobby?" would have us marked down as being even more mentally negligible than the balcony incident would suggest.

We are worried that our Rafa encounters so far are leading you all to believe that we are his new best friends. To be honest we're still a long way from being able to actually speak to him in a familiar way. It was obvious from the encounter in the lift that neither Rafa nor Toni had any recollection of ever having seen us before.

This hotel is huge and there are hundreds of guests. We obviously recognise him every time we see him but I suspect that because he probably hasn't spent quite so many hours gazing at pictures of us hoping that one day we'll meet we just look like any other hotel guest. It's just possible that if we bump into him enough times the synapses might connect enough for him to think "Oh it's those women from the hotel again" but I still think his shyness and teenageness would prevent him from even nodding an acknowledgement.

We know that we have so far been incredibly lucky so far. We also feel that having had way more than our fair share of encounters we really can't expect any more. If we get the chance to mention VR.com to him we will of course do so. However I really don't think any of you should hold your breath on this one.

So now it's the semi final

You know where we are sitting and we will be waving the flag like crazy.

MAC & SE. Vamos!!!

Friday: Day Three's "up-Lifting" Encounter with Rafa

Although Susan slept through the match, our intrepid reporters in Monte Carlo did not. Here's the latest from MAC and Spanish Eyes:

Day Three...

Not such an early start today, but we wanted to see if we could blag our way into the players' hotel early to save on car park charges. No problem. SpanishEyes may be more used to the luxury hotel lifestyle than I, but frankly I was completely blown away by being able to hand my car keys to someone who then parked the car for me!

Our bags were whisked away, leaving us to head up the hill for the tournament. Got there at 10am and despite SE's fears of stalking, I decided to go and check out the practice courts just in case.

Just as I got there, 2 familiar figures walked onto the court. Despite SE's warnings and fears of a looming restraining order, I settled myself down right behind Rafa's chair. Sadly, it was the other side of the wire fence from Rafa. Frankly I think it's just mean that they don't let you on court with him! I'd be no trouble and would get far better photos that way.

It was nice to see his interaction with Uncle Toni at close quarters, but unfortunately I speak no Spanish so don't know if Rafa was asking whether the mad stalker woman was still behind him. Left him to it after a while because we wanted to see the start of the Gaudio/Robredo match. Don't know how it looked on TV, but from our vantage point Robredo was playing pants! Still, at least it was over quickly - and then it was Rafa Time!

Our seats are right beside and above the entrance passageway that the players take on and off the court. It's really weird seeing them walk down that passageway with a camera crew walking backwards in front of them, filming their every move at close quarters, but Rafa takes it all in his stride and does his usual little bounce up and down while they're introducing the other player.

I should point out at this stage that we are risking serious sunstroke on this court just for you! The blazing heat of the noonday sun was pretty fierce but we hung on in there. Which is more than can be said for his mum, dad and sister, who left there seats just up to our right - in the members' area - to go and sit further back and in the shade!

Didn't he play well? We really felt that he is playing himself into top form beautifully now. Guillermo's Superhero outfit clearly did him no good today. An awesome performance from Rafa, over all too quickly but we're happy to take that as a good win.

Don't know if they showed in on TV but after the match they brought lots of tennis balls out on court for Rafa - and a couple of others - to hit into the crowd. They've been doing this every day - something to do with this being the tournament's centenary year - but we're not really sure exactly what it's all about. However, Rafa was smiling and looking really relaxed as he belted the balls into various sections of the crowd. Unfortunately, there were so many people leaping about and screaming that we couldn't get any pictures.

After that, we had a wander for food and shade and managed to completely miss Federer. We went back for Ljubicic/Gonzalez. Interesting to see that the family Nadal - minus Rafa - watched the whole of that match, although Dad did start reading the paper at the beginning. We were pleased to see Gonzalez win as we feel Gonzo/Fed will be a more entertaining match to watch tomorrow than Fed/Lubo.

After the match, we thought about getting the bus back to the hotel but decided to walk as there were lots of people waiting for the bus. This is when you realize that it's small decisions which can make a huge difference to your life...

We picked up our room keys at reception and were directed to the lifts. We set off towards them and suddenly realized that we were walking behind two very familiar figures - and a photographer!

Well, your intrepid reporters did not shrink from their duty. As Uncle Toni pressed the button for the lift we waited patiently with them. The lift arrived and in the five of us get. Rafa is standing against the back wall, texting someone on his mobile phone. Uncle Toni was standing next to Rafa in the right hand corner, while SE and I stood either side of the photographer in front of the doors. I flattened myself against the wall so that the photographer could get a clear shot of Rafa and Uncle Toni laughed and asked if I'd like to be in the picture too. I said 'Yeah, sure,' in a joking manner. Uncle Toni then checked with the photographer which magazine he was working for - Paris Match or L'Equipe - turns out it was L'Equipe. Rafa was ignoring everybody.

Toni got out on the 4th floor, leaving the rest of us to travel on up in the lift. We contemplated smiting the photographer with his camera and jamming the lift, but decided it was a little unseemly. Besides, SE said it broke the No. 1 rule of stalking - Never let your victim know you're stalking them.

Of course, it could be not coincidental at all - indeed, we suspect that Rafa may be stalking us...

Just to be on the safe side, after Uncle Toni got out of the lift, SE checked with Rafa which floor he wanted - sadly it wasn't the same as ours.

In our excitement following this encounter we went outside onto our balcony for a breath of fresh air. In the process, we managed to shut ourselves out on said balcony - six floors above the ground. This would have been a good plan had Rafa been with us... (Note to selves: make sure all necessary participants are present before commencing irreversible procedures which may leave one helpless, and not a little embarrassed, on very visible balcony of luxury hotel.)

Luckily, SE plays the damsel in distress role really well. It was only a matter of half an hour or so before we attracted the attention of several helpful men - none of them Rafa - and two sturdy gentlemen came to our rescue.

Phew, after all that adventure, SE and I need a large drink and a nice dinner before calling it a night. We do feel now that we've had more than our fair share of Rafa-encounters and luck, so please don't expect too much tomorrow...

Too tired now to load pictures up. May try later or tomorrow. Bear with us!

From SE: had to post to make and addition to our earlier note...

We have to give an honourable mention to Guillermo Coria. First he prolonged his match against Mathieu to give us time to arrive at the tournament and watch Rafa's match. Then he distracted us at the practice courts long enough so that we were still there when Rafa arrived. And now he has obligingly lost to our boy at the crucial moment. We have a soft spot in our hearts for him! Not sure what more he can possibly do to help us since he will soon be on his way back to Argentina I guess. Maybe he could have got us off the balcony a bit sooner... but he's really earned his superhero outfit in our books! (He is now known in these parts as Sooper-Guillermo! )

And - note for iboy - I WILL definitely check out how our boy smells next time I see him... (well, barring rushing onto court and stopping play, obviously!)

Friday: The Blogger Sleeps Through the Quarters

Apparently the string of early mornings to watch matches has taken its toll. I set my alarm, but forgot to change it to 3:30 a.m., so I slept through the match.

But as it turns out, Rafa didn't need me. He easily defeated Guillmero Coria, 6-2, 6-1, ending Coria's two-match streak of winning matches without a serve.

Because The Tennis Channel replays the matches the later in the day, I can catch the match this afternoon. But it sounds as though I didn't miss much.

This is Rafa's 40th consecutive win, as he moves to the semis against Gaston Gaudio. That should be his first real test of the tournament. Vamos, Rafa!!!

Thursday: MAC's Day Two Report!!!

OK - here we go for day two.

Couldn't top yesterday I'm afraid. As it is we're beginning to feel a bit like stalkers.

After the usual unscheduled tour of Monte Carlo looking for a car park we got to the tournie just after the start of the Ferrero Ferrer match.

Took our seats and settled in to watch some tennis.

You know how just sometimes you turn round at just the right time? Clearly my Rafa radar is working really well because I just happened to glance up to my right to the members' seats as this tall figure came in and sat down next to Feliciano Lopez. He didn't stay all that long - just enough for us to take a few candid photos. Very good to see him in there to support the Spaniards and fun to watch him and Feli discussing the play and clearly giving advice to the players.

He got up and walked out carrying his bag of rackets which rather implied that he just might be heading off to the practice courts.

We debated whether to watch the end of the match before going to look - lucky we didn't as it was pretty much a repeat of yesterday's Coria macth where you think it's all over but there's actually another hour and a half to go!

Followed the eccentric signposting system to the practice courts but there was no sign of Rafa. Hung around a bit watching Gaudio and then decided to give up and go back to tennis. On the way we were distracted by seeing Coria practising. Stayed a bit and then the radar kicked in. turned to my left and there was Rafa coming up the steps.

Funnily enough the appeal of the Ljubicic match kinda went out the window at this point so we got ourselves a decent vantage point for the practising.

I kept trying to send out telepathic messages about how hot it was and how heavy t-shirts get when wet with sweat but he still never took it off. Rats - a failure!

Decided not to stay and stalk him off the court - that restraining order is beginning to look like a possibility if we're not careful. I have been trying to make Spanish Eyes wear beige so she blends in a bit more.

Oh and of course, we watched him play as well. Managed to catch both shirt changes on camera but until I get around to loading them onto the laptop I won't really know how successful they are.

After he came off we watched him go up the steps. For the first time since we've been there we saw him with a couple of members of the opposite sex. Opposite to him that is. He seemed very affectionate with both of them making those sort of fond gestures you only make to people with whom you are very close. However, since it was his mother and sister I don't think there's anything for the gf thread yet.

We were going to get back nice and early tonight but decided to go and watch Coria/Keifer to assess tomorrow's opposition.

How bizarre was that match? We reckon that as long as Rafa holds serve tomorrow he'll be home free. It was like school tennis where the player who held serve was always the winner. And what's with Coria's superhero shirt? It looks like his mum thought "Oh, Guillermo's top is much too boring I'll put this nice shiny tape on it as a surprise for him." He clearly didn't want to hurt her feelings so embarrassing though it is he wears it with pride.

Reading back through some of the posts in this thread I see that what Rafa smells like is a hot topic.

I really, really wish I could tell you. We were so overcome yesterday that we totally forgot to breathe in through our noses. All I can say with confidence is that he doesn't smell strongly of anything. Wasn't aware of any smell - certainly not sweaty Majorcan teenage boy.

Have to say as well that we both concur with Lopaka's observation after Indian Wells that when you se him in the flesh you are so aware that he really is special. He just exhudes charisma on and off court and he has such presence. I was fully expecting to find he seemed much younger in real life - but he looks exactly like the pictures. His skin is that smooth and brown. His eyes are that large and dark. He is all you expect him to be and more.

Oh and we must also thank Lopaka for procuring a small battleship for the Vamos Brigade. It's been moored out in the harbour here in Villefranche since we arrived. We assume the rest of you are on board just waiting for your instructions.

Hopefully I can start uploading pics tomorrow - assuming the whole getting laptop connected in hotel thing works. Otherwise I'm afraid it'll be back to the text message updates.

Great though it would be to pass on telephone numbers, goodwill messages and instructions for VR acknowledgement on the camera lens I fear you may be overestimating our powers.

Thanks for reading!

MAC

Thursday: Rafa vs. Vliegen (Set 2)

They just showed fans with a Spanish flag. Was that MAC and SE?

The commentators are saying that Rafa didn't play that well in the last set, but won anyway. They think he'll "open up his shoulders" a bit more and swing more freely in this set. It would be nice, but I'm not as down on Rafa's play today as I was yesterday. This guy has more of a repetoire than Lisnard has, and that is keeping Rafa on his toes. Yes, KV blew some chances, but Rafa also took the chances when he needed them. He is up a set.

And Rafa has never missed a return of serve in this match. And this guy is a pretty good server.

KV to serve. 15-30. 40-30. Went to the drop shot well again, but Rafa got there. Didn't do enough with it, though. Game KV.

0-1, KV

15-0, Rafa serving. Second DF. 15-15. I'm waiting for JB to say that we normally don't see these errors from Nadal. KV hits long. Rafa says Vamos. KV is frustrated. 30-15. Commentators now saying all Nadal's opponents get frustrated with him. Rafa misses FH. JB says again, that Rafa is making more errors than you expect. 30-30. Great FH's by rafa, in fact he ran around his BH at the end. KV gave up, and made the UE. 40-30. Great FH by Rafa. Yells Vamos.

1-1

Commentators noting that when Rafa seems to be in a bit of trouble, he picks up his level a bit. One hopes he'll keep doing that when he faces other opponents. 15-15, as Rafa draws error. Fault. Nice volley by KV. 30-15. Fault. Missed drop shot then. 30-30. Going to that well a bit too much, as Rafa was ready for it anyway. KV hits wide. 30-40. Breakpoint. I'd like this one, Rafa. If you could oblige. It was close, after great defense by Rafa. But volley winner by KV. 40-30. Fist pump by KV -- very sportsmanlike I may add. KV has been to the net 27 times in this match. OH winner. Ad KV. He's won 16 of 28 net points. Rafa has won 8 of 12. FH winner. Wins Game.

1-2, KV

Rafa to serve. Adjusts his socks and pants. All is right in Rafa-world. FH UE. 15-0. Commentators are saying KV is making Rafa work hard today. Return goes wide. They are saying Rafa needs the match play. Fault. KV hits long. They also are saying there is a good chance Rafa will win this match. *rollseyes* They love this Belgian, though. 40-0. Rafa misses FH. 40-15. Toni looking very serious. Wouldn't be fun to play poker with him and Federer -- you'd never be able to tell what type of hand they have. Winner by KV. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! Long rally. Nice drop shot by KV. Rafa gets to it, but KV makes volley winner. Deuce. Great serve. Ad RN. Commentators are saying that when it counts, it is all Nadal, notwithstanding great shots by his opponent. Another great serve. Game RN.

2-2

They are saying that when Nadal has needed the points, he's played his best tennis. Nice volley by KV. 15-0. First set Rafa had 10 winners to 8 by KV. And this set KV has 10 winners to 1 by Rafa. 30-0. UE by KV. 30-15. Forced error there. 30-30. Good serve. 40-30. That may be the first return Rafa hasn't made in the match. Fault. BH goes wide. Deuce. Rafa misses FH. Ad KV. Toni is encouraging Rafa. Fault. Mishit by Rafa. He yells at himself. Game KV.

3-2, KV

Rafa to serve. KV is approaching the net more and more, and JB is praising him to the skies, and noting Rafa's habit of adjusting his socks. 15-0 FH long. 15-15. KV is winning more rallies than expected -- JB keeps pointing that out. Mishit by KV. 30-15. UE by KV. 40-15. Rafa has 89% of first serves in this set. Wins game.

3-3

Commentators are saying Rafa should try to get more free points off his serve. Like that's a news bulletin. No aces in this match at all. Rafa gets to that drop shot, and gets the winner. Fist pump. 0-15. Fault Same thing happened again. 0-30. Stupid shot selection, but we'll take it. Error by KV. 0-40 Three BP's. Fault. Good sportsman Nadal overruled a call by the linesperson, who said KV's ball was out. So 15-40. KV misses OH. Break to Nadal. JB says those were self-inflicted wounds, but we'll take them. :D (The replay showed that the ball Rafa said was in was indeed in.)

4-3, RN

Rafa changes shirt. Places his bottle just so under his chair. New balls. Adjusts socks, and taps clay out of his shoes. Ready to serve. First ace of the match. 15-0. FH goes wide. Waiting for JB to say Rafa didn't make those errors last year. 15-15. Return goes wide. 30-15. Rafa is at 91% first serve percentage. Rafa gets the drop shot. 40-15. JB thinks that KV thinks he's probably going to lose this match. FH goes long. 40-30. JB says it was a forced error. Deuce. BH UE. AD KV. JB has it right when he said, "How extraordinary." Didn't expect this. BP for KV. Come on, Rafa. Good serve. Deuce. KV hits long. Chair made the call, and it was the right call. Ad Rafa. Great serve, and FH put-a-way. Game RN.

5-3, RN

KV to serve. UE by KV. 0-15. JB saying once again he's not yet the Nadal of last year. KV hits long. 0-30. Vamos! Fault. Mishit by Rafa, went in, but then Rafa misses BH down the line. 15-30. S&V works. 30-30. Fault. Another volley winner. 40-30. He's 11 of 14 at the net in this set. Two lets. Great drop shot by Rafa. Deuce. Great cross-court angle FH winner. Match point for Rafa. He wins, when KV misses volley.

6-3, 6-3

Rafa acknowledges the crowd. Rafa to sign lens. I think he just signed his name this time.

18 winners, 21 UE's for Rafa.

21 winners to 31 UE's for KV.

4/8 for breaks; 1/3 for KV.

82% first serve percentage overall.

Commentators say Rafa played his best when he had to, and they expect more of him as the tournament goes on.

He did have some uncharacteristic UE's for him, but this guy displayed more talent that Lisnard, IMO. I think Rafa played as well as he had to in order to win, and he is showing improvement.

Thursday: Rafa vs. Vliegen (1st set)

The matches are going pretty quickly today. Ljubicic just won, and I expect Federer will roll over his opponent pretty quickly.

It's now 5:12 a.m. PDT, so I'm thinking Rafa's match will start at about 6:30 a.m. I'll be here ready to blog.

See ya then. Vamos, Rafa!!!!

0-0.

Rafa serving. 40-30. Good serve. He wins the game. Jogs to the chair. JB (John Barett) is talking about how wonderful he has been for the sport -- his spirit and passion. He has brought many young fans to the sport. And to this website, too. :D

1-0, RN.

KV to serve. 30-15. Two good serves. Nice drop shot by Rafa, KV got there, but Rafa does the volley winner. 30-30. Good serve. 40-30. Fault. Rafa hits BH long . Game, KV.

1-1.

Rafa to serve. 15-0. Rafa gets to the drop shot. 15-15. Rafa hits long. 30-15. JB talks again about how Rafa didn't make these UE's last year. Missed volley by Rafa. 30-30. Come on, Rafa. I think I can hear MAC and SE out there, yelling for Rafa. Rafa was too defensive there. 30-40. Break point against Rafa. Come, on Rafa. Fault. OH winner. KV breaks.

2-1, KV.

KV to serve. Hits long. 0-15. Fault. My personal view is a guy who is 7 feet tall, and he appears that he is, shouldn't wear all white, and relatively short shorts. Not a great look, but he's playing well so far.l 15-15. Great Pass by Rafa -- KV didn't do enough with an overhead. But we're okay with that 15-30. S&V there. 30-30. Rafa had lucky let cord there, said he's sorry. But he'll take it. BP for Rafa. 30-40. Tony is adjusting the zipper on his jacket. Missed dropshot. So Rafa breaks back. Vamos!

2-2

Rafa serving. 15-0. BTW, Rafa is wearing the same outfit, the lime green shirt and white piratas. It's a contrast to the white of his opponent, but I think his tan is as much of a contrast. Error by Rafa. 15-15. And JB is once again talking about how Rafa is not that Rafa of last year. BH error by Rafa. Commentators call it "Un-Nadal like". JB thinks the loss to Moya has affected to him. 15-30. KV hits long. 30-30. Rafa happy about that. I don't know who the commentator is with JB -- it's not Jason. Fault. Come on, Rafa! Nice FH by Rafa, draws the error. 40-30. Game point. Return inbto net -- good serve. Game RN

3-2, RN.

Funny that The Tennis Channel is doing commercials featuring Christopher Knight (TV star -- from the Brady Bunch in the 70's). He was Bobby Brady, and my crush back then. And here I am blogging for many who have a crush on Rafa.

KV to serve. 15-15. Beautiful pass by Rafa. UE by KV. 15-30. Commentators say Nadal is dominating points since being broken. Not sure about that, but he's doing a bit better. Fault. Rafa yelled Vamos before that passing shot hit the ground. 15-40. Two breakpoints. Fault, called by the chair. Volley exchange, and I thought Rafa had won it, but no. 30-40. Olivier Rochus is watching the match. Rafa misses BH. Deuce. Fault. Good drop shot by KV. Ad KV. Let. Another drop shot. Game KV.

3-3

The commentators are analogizing this match to one between Arazi and Kuerten years ago. I think Rafa is supposed to be Kuerten -- and Kuerten eventually won, but it wasn't easy. 0-15. Fault. Come on, Rafa! Great hitting by Rafa, with OH put-a-way. 15-15. Great serve. Vamos by Rafa. 30-15. I have to be careful what I say here. I noted yesterday that Rafa did a fist-pump when he won yesterday, and that started a while thread on the Tennis Warehouse board about Rafa not being a good sportsman. 40-15. Fault. Rafa gets to that drop shot, but KV wins the volley exchange. 40-30. Go Rafa! KV hits out after great RN forehand. Game RN.

4-3, RN

KV to serve. Rafa misses one pass, but make another. 15-30. And then KV misses a drop shot. Great serve, Rafa does well to get it back, and KV hits into the net. 15-40. Two BP's. JB fancies that KV may not creep out of this whole this time. Hope he's right. He JB was right, with a volley into net. Rafa breaks.

5-3, RN

KV is forcing play a bit, and Toni is looking a bit happier. And so am I. But Rafa hits BH wide. JB doesn't think that Rafa is as quick this year as he was last year. But he also thinks that Rafa played Madrid with a suspect ankle. Doesn't realize Rafa had tendonitis in his knees then, and hurt his foot, not his ankle, in the final. KV misses volley. Fist pump by Rafa -- but totally appropriate and sportsmanlike under the circumstances. 30-15. Commentators saying KV is giving too many free points to Rafa. FH winner there -- not a free point. 30-30. Fault. DF. What a horrible time for a DF. JB is taking away one of Rafa's brownie points. 30-40. What a point! KV his a volley, and Rafa gets to it and passes. I say great, but the commentators say Rafa was lucky KV didn't do more with the volley. KV hits long. Ad Nadal. Set point Rafa. Go Rafa! Commentators are upset that KV isn't taking advatange of his opps. But I don't feel that way. Error by KV. Rafa gets set. And Rafa does a very sportsmanlike fist pump to celebrate winning the set. :D

6-3, RN

Wednesday: The Vamos Brigade Hits Monte Carlo!!!

MAC and Spanish Eyes are now on the scene, and ready to report. Here is their first report, through Amethyst:

MAC & Spanish Eyes' Monte Carlo adventure - Update

Our gals are in place on central court ready for Rafa's match . It seems like they had a hectic morning - they had to leave for their flight at 5.30 am , and then sort out some hassle with the car hire in Monte Carlo . Plus I falsely predicted that the Coria-Mathieu match would only go to 2 sets* , which caused a bit of a panic that they wouldn't get to the court on time . But hey, they're there now, so hopefully we'll get some juicy updates later .

Oh and if anyone's got TV coverage of the match, don't forget to look out for the 2 fans in Hero T-shirts and VR wristbands, who are VAMOsing as if their lives depended on it .

Go Mad Alice and Spanish Eyes! VAMOS!

MAC'S FULL WEDNESDAY REPORT

OK I've found Villefranche sur Mer's finest internet cafe so am able to post the full story.

As Amethyst reported earlier her premature prediction of the end of Coria's match gave us palpitations as we hurtled aound Monte Carlo trying to find somewhere to park the car. Not easy when you're driving on the wrong side of the road and in the wrong side of the car. Took me ages not to open the car door every time I went to change gear.

Anyway we made it just in time to catch the last game of Coria's match. Not that we could tell that from underneath the stand where you have to wait until they change ends.

On the way in we'd spotted Tim Henman coming out of the players entrance so had that marked as a possibility for staking out later.

Fed made short shrift of Alberto Martin so we sent up silent prayers of thanks to Coria for coming back and dragging his match out for long enough for us to get there.

And then - RAFA!!!

He is just so beautiful in the flesh. We're sitting a few rows behind Uncle Toni so get to see all Rafa's expressions when he looks across for support.

There are hoards of children who can smell a match about to end and gather near the steps to catch players on their way out. This means no chance for the rest of us. Got a great view of the top of his head as he walked off court though.

Thay also have a little area under the stands where players come to sign autographs. Needless to say that was a complete zoo for Rafa. It must be hell for him.

At this point we left and went to the players entrance. It was pouring by then but we managed to get in under the awning. And then we waited. And waited. And waited.

Saw Coria, Ljubicic, Gaudio, Federer, Ferrer and a load of others come out. Were pretty sure that Rafa wouldn't have beaten us there. So we waited.

Then this wonderful security man (who I may have to marry) asked us if we'd like to step inside. This meant we were on our own at the top of the steps. We waited a bit more. A kid hanging around in there tried to tell us Rafa had gone but we stood our ground.

Finally, he and Toni came around the corner and up the steps towards us.
(Spanish Eyes has just admitted to me as I write this that when she first saw him over the edge of the wall she was hyperventilating so much she couldn't actually find the words to tell me he was on his way.)

OMG!!! Wearing a green top and shorts but with his hair newly dried. They weren't talking and Rafa looked really tired.

As they reached us Spanish Eyes said Buenas Noches and Rafa replied. Then we asked if he would sign the flag and I got him to sign a sketch. I then gave him the book of my drawings that I'd made up and said "This is for you". "For me? Sank you very much." And he did smile like he meant it.

After that he went out to the waiting hoards. That's when I followed him and in the spirit of research got a good close look at his behind. Looked pretty firm at that range.

Then he was whisked away in the courtesy car. Pah! Roger had to hang around for ages for his giving lots of chance for pics.

Have taken some shots but frankly the whole just the two of us with Rafa and Uncle Toni thing was just too much and we never took anything then.

Still - tomorrow is another day...........


*Coria was one set and 1-5 in the second down at this point, so it seemed like a reasonable assumption

Wednesday: Rafa vs. Lisnard (Set 2)

Okay, let's hope he settles down and plays some good tennis in this set, to give him some confidence as he moves forward. His play was "spotty" in that last set.

John Barrett is saying that Rafa probably is going to try to cut out some the errors that plagued the first set. Let us hope.

Lisnard to serve. BH crosscourt goes out. FH into net. 30-0. He just isn't making many of the shots that usually are his trademark. It's enough to stay ahead, but he's not playing with authority right now. 30-15. Rafa comes to net, and gets passed. 40-15. FH error by JL. 40-30. Great rally, and Rafa's FH hits the baseline, and JL thought it would go long so didn't hit it. May be a costly mistake. Deuce. Bad FH miss. Ad RN. Come on, Rafa! Fault. DF. Rafa got three gifts there, and the Game.

1-0, RN.

Rafa to serve. 15-0. Great defense by Rafa. 30-0. FH error by Rafa. 30-15. Toni is talking to him now. Let. Drop shot winner, after great rally. 40-15. Great serve and FH. Game, RN. Much better performance by Rafa.

2-0, RN.

BH winner by Rafa, aggressive play. 0-15. Nice volley, JL can't handle. 0-30. Now Rafa is being more aggressive. Fault. Too aggressive there. Hits FH wide. 15-30. Fault. JL hits long. 15-40. Two BP's. If Rafa can get this, I think he'll really start to be more aggressive. Fault. Bad drop shot miss. 30-40. One more BP. Nothing too fancy, Rafa. Ball skidded off the line. Deuce. Fault. JL hits wide. Ad RN. Third BP. Come on, Rafa. Commentators think Rafa still hasn't found his range on clay. Mishit BH. Deuce. Fault. FH angle winner. He yells Come On! Ad RN. Fourth BP. Fault. Great volley at net, but JL wins it with volley pass. Deuce. Fault. JL can't handle Rafa FH. Ad RN. Fifth BP. Come on, Rafa! Fault. Rafa misses FH pass -- one of his bread-and-butter shots. He's upset with himself. Deuce. Better BH pass that time. Ad Nadal. Sixth BP. Error by JL. Rafa breaks. And is pleased!!!

3-0, RN.

For some reason, I can't get back into my blog. Anyway, JL just held. It's starting to rain a bit, and Rafa was rushing a bit, probably wanting to finish. Hope he doesn't lose focus.

4-1, RN.

Rafa is now serving. Return into net, and throws racquet. 15-0. 30-0, as JL hits long. FH goes long. Rafa looks mad at himself again. 30-15. JB says "In a hurry, is Mr. Nadal." Shot goes wide. 40-15. Rain is steady, but light. Rafa does want to finish. FH winner. Game RN.

5-1, RN

JL to serve to stay in the match. Fault. Let. FH winner by Rafa. 0-15.

JL misses drop shot. 0-30. Fault. Mishit by JL. 0-40. Three matchpoints.

Fault. Double fault. Rafa wins. Fist pump. 6-4, 6-1. 1 hour and 19 minutes. He acknowledges the crowd. Putting his racquet away. They are saying Rafa's performance improved as the match went on. I think someone asked for his shirt and he said "I can't."

Writing something on the lens. But not his name. I think it was in Spanish, so I don't know what he said.

16 winners and 16 UE's. Won 5/11 breakpoints. 71% lst serve percentage. 28 UE's by Lisnard.

Not his most spectacular performance, but enough to get the job done.

He wins, 6-4, 6-1.

And a good thing, too, because shortly thereafter, rain stopped play on the other courts.

Wednesday: Rafa vs. Lisnard (Set 1)

The match against Jean-Rene Lisnard is scheduled fourth on stadium court, so I figure it will be around 7 a.m. PDT. I'll do this blog again, and given how slow our board was during today's match, you may want to join us on this blog to cheer our guy on.

I watched the second half of the Murray vs. Lisnard match was not impressed with either of them. Lisnard had 69 unforced errors. He'll have to play better than that to go toe to toe with Rafa.

MAC will be in Monte Carlo on Wednesday, so hopefully we'll start getting some on-the-scene news. Vamos, Rafa!!!

The match has STARTED. I'm a bit late getting here because I was working on something for my day job. Anyway, good morning!

They did the warmup. Rafa meticulously placed his bottles under the chair.

Lisnard chose to serve and is not doing a very good job at it. 0-40, and now a fault. Rafa hits long. 15-40. Two BP's left. Adjusts pants. Fault. Game RN, after Lisnard hits long.

1-0, RN.

Rafa just ran into the ballkid by accident. Commentator says you don't have to get into a physical contest with Nadal. :-) Commentators already saying this should be a relatively easy practice match for Rafa (my prior prediction). Fault. Return goes long. 15-0. 40-0. Forced error by Lisnard. Fault. DF. 40-15. Toni is biting his nails. Rafa hits BH long. 40-30. A ball may have been long, but Rafa didn't stop play in time to contest it. Mishit by Rafa. Deuce. Rafa should have won this game by now. Fault. Rafa hits wide. BP for Rafa. This is a bit surprising. Lisnard lives in Monaco, so he has some support here. Rafa is broken, after being up 40-0.

1-1.

Lisnard to serve. Fault. Winner by Lisnard. 15-0. Things are changing here quickly. Rafa is going to have to lift his game. Fault. Lisnard hits FH wide. 15-15. Rafa hits FH long. 30-15. FH goes wide. 40-15. Rafa is shaking his head. He should be. Return goes wide. Game, Lisnard.

1-2, Lisnard (courtesy of Nadal)

Earlier I thought we may not get this match, because the Federer/Martin match started at 6:30, and coverage only goes until 9 a.m. But Fed made such quick work of that match, we are getting this one.

Rafa is serving. 30-15. Again, I'm trying to get a work project done, but Rafa is worrying me a bit here. Let. FH winner. 30-30. Fist pump. JL hits out. 40-30. Come on, Rafa. Game Rafa.

2-2.

JL to serve. Long rally, JL into net. 0-15. John Barrett is talking about Rafa's various quirks, pulling up his socks. Great pass. 0-30. Missed volley. 0-40. It seems that whoever took over Rafa's body in the earlier games has left, and Rafa is back. FH winner. Game Nadal.

3-2, RN.

RN to serve. Adjusts socks. Bangs the clay off his shoes. Return long. 15-0. Dropshot winner. 30-0. Comes to net. OH small. 40-0. Now, Rafa, please do not lose this lead again. Let. Fault. FH goes wide. Game Rafa.

4-2, RN.

John Barrett thinks Rafa is over his little lapse of concentration there. I hope so. 15-0. 15-15. With Lisnard, Rafa has been able to recover from that lapse, but other players would make him pay. Fault. DF. 15-30. Just misses lob. 30-30. Many punishing forehands, and then he misses one. 40-30. Game JL.

4-3, RN.

Rafa to serve. 0-15. Crowd is really supporting Lisnard. Rafa hits BH long, forced error. 0-30. Come on, Rafa. This is not the dominant performance I expected. "Nadal" is written on the back of Rafa's shoes. FH winner. 0-40. Triple breakpoint. Rafa looks disgusted. Saves one. 15-40. Return long. Saved two. 30-40. Fault. Error by JL. Fist pump. 40-40. Fault. FH goes out. Ad RN. Vamos! Rafa hits long. Deuce. Ad RN. John Barrett is noting that Rafa played better against Clement. Toni doesn't look happy. Game Rafa. Lucky to hold from 0-40.

5-3, RN.

JL to serve. Commentators are noting that given his draw, Rafa has an opportunity to work his way into form in this event. Rafa hits long. 40-0. Mishit. Game JL.

5-4, RN.

Rafa to serve for set. Well, Rafa rarely beats himself. But he's been doing a good job of trying here. Adjusts socks and pants. Amazing angle winner, by JL. 0-15. FH long. 15-15. 30-15, after another FH sails. Mishit by JL. 40-15. Two set points. Misses drop shot -- terrible shot selection, according to Jason. Toni not looking pleased. He wants to know where the real Rafa is. FH winner. Yells Vamos! First set Nadal.

6-4, after 44 minutes. New thread, and hopefully a new and improved player to go with it.

Would someone please note on the Rafa-Board that I'm doing this blog.

Tuesday: Rafa vs. Clement (Set 2)

Commentators are saying Rafa never stops moving; he's always running around. They are talking about how exciting a player Rafa is and how every tournament benefits from having him in the draw.

AC to serve. FH goes long after long rally. 15-0. Rafa is making more UE's than normal. Fault. FH winner return. 15-15. Long rally, but Rafa could get to drop shot. 30-15. Fault. FH winner. Vintage Nadal. 30-30. BH passing shot. You could see that one coming. 30-40. Break point! Vamos, Rafa! Rafa misses BH. Deuce. Nice drop shot by AC. Ad AC. Fault. Deuce, after Rafa hits the line. S&V, and Rafa can't get there. Ad AC. He's won 12 of 19 net points. Rafa hits long. Game AC.

0-1, AC.

Rafa to serve. Adjusts the socks and his pants. Misshit by RN. 0-15. We are seeing more errors from RN. Great return from AC. 0-30. Rafa in trouble now. Missed FH. 0-40. Triple BP. AC hits out. 15-40. Vamos, Rafa! Long rally. AC hits long. 30-40. Save one more, Rafa! Uncle Toni looks so calm. AC reached drop shot and then Rafa mishit. So close. AC breaks.

0-2, AC.

AC to serve. Rafa is still looking tentative to me. And Rafa has asked for a trainer to change tape on his foot. Probably after this game. Fault. FH winner by AC. Missed volley. 15-15. Fault. Missed drop shot that time. 15-30. Come on, Rafa! Fault. FH winner. 30-30. AC is playing better now. Let. Missed volley. 30-40. One BP for RN. Vamos! He gets it, after AC error.

1-2, AC.

Rafa to serve, and trainer comes for Rafa's foot. Rafa's right ankle is taped -- looks as though they just changed the tape. Rafa's trying to get himself pumped up. Adjusts socks and pants again. All that for a fault. AC hits long after long rally. 15-0. Fault. FH just went long. 30-0. Umpire checked it. Another BH error by Rafa. As the commentator says, we just don't expect those from Rafa. 30-15. Missed return. 40-15. BH into net. 40-30. Come on, Rafa! Uncle Toni didn't like that one. Neither did I. Great FH by Rafa, forces AC to hit out. Game RN.

2-2.

AC to serve. Fault. Error by RN. 15-0. Commentators talking about Rafa's rippling muscles. Fault. Beautiful drop shot by Rafa. 15-15. S&V by AC. 30-15. 40-15. Return long.

2-3, AC. On serve.

Anyone out there reading his blog? Or do you all have coverage?

Rafa to serve. 16-0. Return into net. 30-0. Fault. UE into net. 40-0. An easy service game would be nice here. Into net again. Good serving by Rafa.

3-3.

AC to serve, changing racquets. Rafa is jumping around. Fault. Rafa can't handle Clement FH. 15-0. Fault. AC's shirt is soaked. FH winner by AC. 30-0. DF. 30-15. Rafa can't handle volley. 40-15. Fault. Misses BH. Game AC.

3-4, AC.

Rafa to serve. I'll reboot the VR server. AC hits long. 15-0. 30-0, after AC hits wide. Return long. 40-0. Fault. Volley winner by Rafa. Superb! Game RN.

4-4, on serve.

AC to serve, after quick service game by Rafa. 15-0, return goes long. Fault. You know Rafa is itching to break here. DF. 15-15. Fifth DF by AC. BH goes wide. 15-30. Come on, Rafa! Crowd is for AC. Easy pass by Rafa, after S&V. 15-40. Two BP's. Vamos, Rafa! AC hits return long. Fist pump. He breaks!!!

5-4, RN.

RN to serve for match. Vamos! Adjusts socks, etc. AC hits out. 15-0. Let. Great point by Rafa. Hits a Federer-like BH volley, and then another BH, forcing AC to hit into net. 30-0. Fault. AC rips FH winner return. 30-15. FH winner by Rafa. 40-15. Two match points! Vamos!!!! Rafa hits BH into net, after long rally. One more match point. Come on, Rafa! Toni is looking relaxed. Crowd still pulling for AC. AC hits wide. RAFA WINS!!!!!

6-4, 6-4, RN. 1:35.

He signs the lens, with RN and then R. Nadal (he's doing that more now). He also wrote something else, no idea what though. *lol* 33 UE's by Clement, and 14 for Rafa. 73% 1st serve percentage.

It was a comfortable win overall, with some room for improvement as the tournament goes on. Well done, Rafa!

Tuesday: Rafa vs. Clement (Set 1)

We have no on-the-scenes reports yet, but I will have the Tennis Channel live coverage of the match, and will give you live scoring on it.

The only caveat is that I think the match will start around 5 a.m. my time. So if one of the two prior matches ends early (Safin retiring, perhaps???), then my blog may start late. But I'll pick it up as soon as I wake up. :-)

Rafa is the King of Clay, and I'm hoping he gets off to a great start this season. Vamos, Rafa!

I'll see you all later. :D

3-0, RN.

But Clement has a breakpoint on Rafa's serve, 40-30. And Clement did break. AC had two BP's in Rafa's last service game, but Rafa saved them. But lost his first one one in the last game.

3-1, RN.

AC serving. 0-15. Two errors by AC. 0-30, who has really struggled on his own serve. 10 UE's for AC, 2 for RN. 15-30. 30-30. Rafa hits out. Ad AC. Ace. Game AC. So Rafa only has one break.

3-2, RN.

Rafa to serve. He's struggled in both service games, so this will be a real test. Winner and then UE by Clement. 15-15. AC return into net. 30-15. Great BH down the line. 40-15. Rafa has been a bit tentative on his own serve. Return into net. Game Nadal.

4-2, RN.

AC to serve. Rafa hits out. 15-0. 30-0. AC is playing better, getting more aggressive. Rafa can't handle FH. 40-0. DF. 40-15. Good serve. Game AC.

4-3, RN.

Rafa to serve. RN eating banana. He's wearing a lime green shirt and white piratas. FH goes way wide. 0-15. Rafa has to be careful because Clement is getting much more aggressive, and Rafa seems a little tentative. FH winner. 15-15. Fault. DF. He didn't need that. Come on, Rafa! 15-30. Great FH's by Rafa, AC into net. 30-30. BH goes just wide. Another BP for AC. Come on, Rafa! Fault. Great FH by Rafa. AC UE into net. Deuce. Great point by AC. Ad AC. AC hits out. Fist pump by Rafa. Deuce. BH error. Ad Nadal. AC is going to RN's backhand as much as possible. Ace. Game Rafa. Phewwww! AC lost both BP's on his own errors.

5-3, RN.

Ace. 15-0. AC is serving much better. Volley wide. 30-0. Return goes wide. 40-0. Fault. UE into net. 40-15. DF. 40-30. Come on, Rafa. BH goes long. Game AC.

5-4, RN.

Rafa to serve for set. I'm hoping he gets this, as I think he'll relax a bit if he gets a set. Vamos, Rafa! Great point by AC. 0-15. Come on, Rafa. Fault. Drop shot by volley by Rafa. 15-15. Return long. Rafa yells Vamos! 30-15. He does look noticeably thinner this year, and Lovely won't like how baggy his pants are. UE by AC. 40-15. Two set points. Commentator says it was an over ambitious return by Clement. Another UE by Clement. Wins the set. 48 minutes, and set to Nadal.

6-4, RN. Onto the second set. Vamos!!!

Looking ahead to Monte Carlo

It's only been a couple weeks, but it seems as though it has been ages since we've seen Rafa play.

Obviously, he was disappointed to lose in the second round in Miami, but he's excited to be playing again on clay. It's his best surface, as well as his favorite, and although he knows it will be difficult to repeat last year's clay results, he is hoping for another good season. And so are we.

His first stop is the first clay Masters in Monte Carlo. He is the defending champion, and will be looking once again, to establish himself as the player to beat on clay. Vamos, Rafa!

MadAliceCudlip, Spanish Eyes and La Zingara will be attending the event, and will be doing double duty: taking time to enjoy the event as well as reporting back to us at the mothership as much as possible. We look forward to their news and photos. And they will be sure to wish Rafa the best from us all!!!

And I should have live Tennis Channel coverage, so if the demand is there, I'll do some blogging during his match(es).

In the meantime, Rafa has received a few more kudos. He won the ATP Most Improved Player Award for 2005, and he has been nominated for the World Laureus Newcomer of the Year Award. That award will be presented in Barcelona on May 22, at a ceremony to be attended by many sports stars. He appears to be the leading contender for that prestigious award, and you can bet he'll be there to receive it if he wins.

He also was present to unveil his wax likeness at the Madrid Waxworks Museum earlier this week. He seemed a little intimidated by how intimidating he can be, but the overall consensus is that the figure does not do the original justice. Click here for photos.

Susan