Stockholm

Nadal before Stockholm Open

He is the world number 2, one of the sportworlds biggest stars and right now, the only one who can challenge Federer on the court.
And above all, he is only 20.
Next week Rafael Nadal plays in Stockholm Open for the first time.

TT got an exclusive interview with him before the tournament.
It use to be abot his muscles, or for some people, the dark hair and the eyes. Not so often about the voice, but it's brighter than anybody should belive and above all, very friendly.
When Nadal gets to discribe himself he does it with the word "humble".
<he should because of that never say it, but his personality and rivalty with Federer has became something of a savior for the tennis. When you missed the profiles the most and Federer looked to superior, Nadal steped forward.

Next week he does his 14th tournament for the year, and in all likelihood he wins also his 6th title for the season.
Already on saterday he arives to Stockholm, the interview with TT is also the only one he does before the tournament.

3 tournaments at the same week: Moskov, Wien and Stockholm. Why did you choose Stockholm?
-I have spoken to many players befor the tournament. They have told me that it is a very nice town but also a good tournament, so I have wanted to come there to play.

It's in the end of the season, you are already qualified for Shanghai. How is the motivation now and do you feel wear out physical?

-No, it's ok. This tournament is important for the rest of the season, I hope to be able to do a good tournament and go really far. It's very important for me to build up self-concidense before Shanghai.

This year you won The Freanch open for the second time and you also were in the finals of Wimbledon. If you could choose, wich title do you want, Wimbledon or French Open?

-Haha, I would choose to win Wimbledon above all Grand Slam tournaments. It's one of my favourite tournaments.

Björn Borg won both tournamnets the same year

-Yes, I don't remember Borg so well, I was so little then. I really didn't have an idol when I started to play tennis.

Then, who have meant most to you in your carrier?
-My uncle, Toni.

It was him who let Rafael try tennis when he was 3 years old. One year later Rafael played tennis twice a week with the tennisclub on Mallorca, but with another uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal who had been a international player in football and also have played for Barcelona, Rafael was also a big football talent.

Once again modest, he says:
-In football I was only "normal" good, but in tennis I was a little better.
The truth is that he as a 12 year old not only was best in his category in Spain, but also in whole Europe.

Because of that he choosed tennis and for three years ago he won his first victory at the ATP- tour.
- I love the competion part and inside tennis it's very special, because its one against one. But football is still one of my biggest hobbies.

Do you know that Brazil with Ronaldinhio will play a friendly game here in Stockholm as the same time as Stockholm Open?
- No, I didn't knew it, I will see if I have a possibility to see that game, as I said I love football.

What do you hope get out more of your carrier?
-To be happy and to become a better player.