It may have escaped your notice, my eagle-eyed readers, but I’m actually not a Rafa fan. Still, he gave a masterclass today in how to accept defeat with calmness, grace and maturity.
From Nadal’s presser:
Q. It was a great four year winning period. All things had to end, and it happened today, your series of wins. Did you expect such power tennis from Soderling before the game? Were you surprised during the match of the way he hit his ball consistently so hard,especially on the forehand, but also in general?
RAFAEL NADAL: No. No, no. He didn’t surprise me,because I know how he play, how dangerous he can be. Yesterday I didn’t play my best tennis. No, I didn’t attack in no one moment. I play very short, and I make him very easy to play at this level.
So when one player bad, must lose. That’s what happened today. I have to accept with the same calm when I win than when I lose. After four years I lose here, and the season continue.
Q. This defeat makes your victories even greater?
RAFAEL NADAL: No. No, defeats never make you grow, but you also realize how difficult what I achieved up until today was, and this is something you need sometimes. You need a defeat to give value to your victories.
I’m 22. Well, 23 in a couple of days. But unfortunately, it’s the first time I’m not going to celebrate my birthday in Roland Garros. I hope I’ll be able to celebrate more here and be back next year and try and win.
Kudos to you, Rafa.
And I imagine some Rafafans are already foaming at the mouth about some of what Soderling said – or so I gather on twitter – but actually, I thought he came across pretty well here:
Q. When did you really feel that you could win this match? Already in the first set or in the third? And also, Nadal just said here that he made it easier for you. Do you think you agree or think it’s the opposite, you maybe make things difficult forhim?
ROBIN SODERLING: I don’t know. You know, I try to keep telling myself before the match that, you know,I have to believe. Of course, I told everybody this is the biggest challenge you can have, I think, playing Nadal,the best clay court player of all times on clay, best of five sets in Roland Garros.
But still, you know, Ihave to believe that I have a chance, otherwise there’s no meaning going on the court. I could just go home instead. I tried to keep telling myself that, you know, at least I have a small chance.
I can’t really. I mean, I played a great match. I played a great match. I think I played very good now for two weeks in a row, four good matches here. If he thinks he played bad, I mean, that’s his choice. I would never say something like that, but…
Q. Itlooked as if you were sent by a special mission from Sweden by Borg to protect his record. You could clarify us on that maybe?
ROBIN SODERLING: I’m expecting at least an SMS from him.
