Rafa snuffs out Hewitt ...

Rafa's 3rd round encounter was against "veteran" Lleyton Hewitt, who he met at the same stage last year resulting in the same outcome - defeat for Hewitt - by a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 scoreline.

Once again, it wasn't vintage Rafa, but I'm liking it anyway. Hewitt gave him a tough old match as he chased down everything, but it still seemed clear that whilst Lleyton ran his socks off, Rafa still had much in reserve. He isn't chasing those impossible balls down now when it 40-15 to his opponent, and he's just steadily moving through his matches without setting the world on fire, but again, I see this as good, as the competition starts somewhat properly as we enter the second week.

Good stuff though Rafa. Keep it up!!

Poetic justice ...

You know how we're all going mad to have our questions answered and our comments posted on the Rafablog. Well ... apart from the sterling success the Rafateers are having at the moment, there has always been this fly in the ointment of this silly bint called Juliette Westbrook-Finch, who bombards Rafa with comments and always ends up getting questions answered.

She's surpassing herself this time though, as she keeps on having these dumb-ass poems posted. As a bit of a laugh, I've penned my own ...

There was a young man from Mallorca
Who was a right blinkin’ fantastic corker
Rafa was his name
And tennis was his game
And his forehand was a lasso wielding scorcher

In his tight pantaloons he looked fine
All muscley and pert and divine
The shirts were even better
Especially when they got wetter
Oh Rafa how I wish you were mine

He is blindly supported by fangirls
Who get themselves in a tizz and right whirl
When he takes to the court
And tugs at his shorts
They screech madly in their twinsets and white pearls

Who are these loons I hear you cry
They know nowt about tennissss, the WUMs sigh
Its all asses and vamos
Not sublimeness and el-e-gance
Lets hound them from the main board to die

Like phoenix we rose from the flames
To form the Rafathread to play our silly games
To squeal and giggle
And watch Rafa’s ass wiggle
Whilst the lurkers looked on in dismay

So hats off to Clare, Rafan and Vernon,
To Denz, Laliga and Corazon
To Neo and Pearl
And the rest of the girls
And pplllllppppllllssst to the haters with nobs on

Rafa gobbles up Hungry Horace ...

Rafa finally got to play his rain-delayed match against Argentinian "newcomer" Horacio Zeballos and defeated him 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. It wasn't an awe-inspiring match and Rafa just played effective tennis that did the job and got him off court as quickly as possible.

But ... I'm still pleased with his progress. He's looking to come in when he can, he's not playing extensive rallies, getting the job done quickly. He looks to me like he can move up the gears if and when he needs to. So I'm finding it all positive so far. Keep plugging away Rafa. This will do.

The Karaoke Kid ...

Nole ... don't you just love him? Such a Djoker (see what I did there ... *yawn*)

Anyhow. Its been done previously at the FO whereby players are asked to go into a karaoke booth and generally speaking, sing a song and make a right fool out themselves. Rafa's last effort was to jump up and down and shout "La Bamba" several times.

Now whilst the Sod so far has been the front runner with his Abba rendition, along comes Nole (ably abetted by Troiki), who is ever the practical joker, as he chose for his performance ... "Gypsy".

Hope Rafa enjoys it cos its really funny ...

Rafa blogs from the French Open ...

And the Rafateers are soooo good at this.

To date, Clare and Denzy have had a question answered, and we've had a good number of comments posted ... including a couple from yours truly.

I'll keep coming back to this post to save them over the fortnight ... and please, please, please Rafa ... ANSWER ONE OF MINE !!! (*update* ... he did!! Yahoo!!)

Here they are ...

I recently spent my birthday watching you win in Rome. What are your plans for 3 June?
Clare

Rafa: I hope I am still here in Roland Garros and if so I am sure we will go out for a special dinner

===============================================

I'm learning to drive at the moment, although I don't think I'll have an Aston Martin when I pass! How old were you when you started having lessons, and did you pass first time?
Shani

Rafa: I didn't learn with an Aston Martin either. It was a Kia which, by the way, I still have and use... I started later than normal, the contrary to my tennis...

===============================================

The weather has turned to rain this afternoon. How much of a difference do the heavier conditions make to the courts and what do you change to your game plan?
Clare

Rafa: In my case I didn't have to play today so it was OK. It did affect my practice since it rained during the 2 hours I was supposed to practice, I believe it is not going to rain tomorrow afternoon so it really won't affect me. But clearly the courts become heavier and slower if it rains. The sun makes them faster and the balls too.

===============================================

Hi Rafa, does it make you more nervous when stars like Ronaldo, Raoul and Zidane turn up to watch you play? Good luck, Rafa - you can do it!
Love Sam

Rafa: Not really. Probably more when I meet them... :-)

===============================================

Hello Rafa! We all know you are a huge fan and a great advocate of the Davis Cup, having served Spain so well. However, do you think that a "World Cup" for tennis could work?
Wooffs

Rafa: It is too early to talk about these things. I have heard this idea before.

===============================================

Hola Rafa, I am thinking of learning to play tennis after years of watching. What advice/tips can you give me to get me started? Clare

RN: The first thing is to enjoy, to have fun and be patient with your improvement.

===============================================

I heard Toni voted for Bjorn Borg as the best clay court player ever on a survey by L'Equipe. I think he's wrong and you are the best. What do you think?
Vanessa, London

Rafa: I don't know, really. I am sure he feels bad voting for me, it looks strange to vote for your nephew, I suppose. You should ask Toni actually.

===============================================

Wednesday practice ...

No reason for posting this other than that I think Rafa looks ab-sol-utely lovely ... *swoons*.

FO Round 1 - Rafa defeats fils de Monfils ...

In his first round match today, Rafa faced wildcard Gianni Mina, ranked 653, and whilst I've yet to sit down and watch the match, the Rafateer commentary sounded like this young (very cute) man didn't let the occasion over-awe him and he came out swinging.

Rafa seemed to playing a bit within himself, hitting a lot of errors, but regardless ... like he was going to lose to this kid and he came out the eventual winner, 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 where Hungry Horace awaits him in the next round,

pre-French Open interview ...

Its in French, with Rafa speaking Spanish, with anything of him speaking English being dubbed over in French ... just look at the pictures and the lovely Rafasmiles ... that's what I did. ...

The French Open Rafakit ...

Well ... we've seen it on the hanger in Rome and tomorrow we will see it on the Rafabod ... this year's FO kit. I think its bright, breezy and Rafa wears the dominant colours so well. One thing's for sure ... we won't miss him. LOL.

The French Open ... finally ...

Enfin!!! AT LAST ... Rafa finally gets to play his first round match. Against an 18-year-old-ranked 653 called Gianni Mina, who's won a career total in prize money of $4,000 and has got his chance by winning an Orange Bowl ... or cos the French say so ... or some such reason.

Rafa - as the top player playing tomorrow - has been shoved onto Suzy LongLong to play this no-hoper, whilst luminaries such as the clay court specialist Andy Roddick (who has so far successfully dodged playing on clay this season) and that up-and-coming youngster Lleyton Hewitt take centre stage. Well, he usually plays at least on one match there ... but that's the French for you, and I'm sure I'll have more comment about their behaviour and treatment before the tournie is out ... just a feeling.

Anyway, Rafa starts tomorrow so lets wish him well. Come on Rafa, you can do it, you can DO it!!

Xisca gives Rafa the runaround ...

Inspired today by a side-splitting joke from Rafan, Xisca has re-emerged since her 2 day Monte Carlo hiatus as Rafa's chaffeur on the golf course. (We were getting a bit worried in case no Xisca sightings meant Denzy had "done her in" ...).

That girl must be desperate ... walking the course whilst following your nearest and dearest around as he tries to hit a 2 inch ball into a little hole with a stick is THE most mindless, boring thing in the world. Even in Rafa is doing the putting.

Anyhow ... in order to *feef* the joke, guess which buggy she didn't get to drive ... LOL, LOL, LOL, LOL, *doh*.

Rafa's 18 winning moments ...

Aah ... this is a great video clip. A look back in time from then till now, detailing all of Rafa's victories in the Master 1000 Serious. From a clam digger - Pir-a-tes clad, sleeveless, polo, t-shirted, bandana, head scarf wearing Rafa ... till now.

Beautiful then, beautiful now ... Vamos Rafa!!!

The ATP salute Rafa ...

Following Rafa's historic 18 Masters Serious victories, the ATP paid tribute with a great web page detailing articles and clips of Rafa's successes.

Congratulations again on your achievement Rafa ...

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/Nadal-Masters-1000.aspx

And finally ... Madrid ...

Aah Madrid ... one of my favourite cities as I'm sure its one of Rafa's ... played in Rafa's homeland ... and as he opted out of Barcelona, the only time this year that "his public" will get to see him play in an active tournament.

Yet I do believe ... he hates it. He doesn't like the arena, the court, the clay, the tournament director ... but most of all, he hates the altitude and the effect it has on his tennis. Remember old grumpy chops from last year? Well ... we know of the mitigating circumstances now, but it still feels as if its just something he has to get off the agenda until he re-groups again for Roland Garros.

Again he entered the competition as being the champion of Monte Carlo and Rome and he played good, effective tennis to get through the competition in the following fashion:-

Dolgopolov : 6-4, 6-3
Isner : 7-5, 6-4
Monfils : 6-1, 6-3
Almagro : 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

And then whot? Who was his opponent in the final to be? Aye ... old big 'Ed ... Feds.

This famed duo had not met since the final of the exact same tournament 12 months ago - which Feds won.

It was the final everyone hoped for but could it live up to the hype? Would Rafa overcome the altitude and fast clay? Could Feds take a bit out of his negative head-to-head record against Rafa? The first set was a nervy affair with both players' serve being broken. Up 5-4, Rafa barely managed to hold serve and take the first set - as we all watched from behind our sofas. Things settled a bit in the second set, but nerves were still apparent. Rafa broke early, but Fed broke back, and Rafa had to hold to push things to a tiebreak. And, in the weirdest match point ever with Feds hitting THE most fantastic of air shots, Rafa won 6-4, 7-6(5).


This, however, was one special victory. Not because of who he beat - but because of this most magnificent and significant of achievements ... making history. He has become the first player to beat Agassi's record as he attains 18 Masters 1000 wins, and he became the first player to win 3 Masters in a row and the 3 clay Masters to boot.

Congratulations Rafa. After the year you've had, no better player or person deserves it, and we as your Rafateers and fans are so very, very proud of you. In his victory speech after receiving his trophy from the Queen of Spain, Rafa thanked "his public". Much laughter ensued thereafter as he meant to thank his TEAM and then the public.

But sometimes that's what we feel like Rafa, and we are honoured to watch and support you. VAMOS !!!


Pictures and video clips of the main event ...

Wooffie and Rafan make Nadal News ...

Well ... Rafan and I both became published authresses (is that even a word??) as our accounts of our Rome experience were listed on Nadal News.

So here's the link to "WOOFFIE IN WOME, ERR ROME"

http://www.nadalnews.com/2010/05/04/wooffie-in-wome-err-rome/

and "RAFANREADY'S ROME REPORT"

http://www.nadalnews.com/2010/05/05/rafandreadys-rome-report/

The Rome final ...

Just for completeness (and my fading memory), here are some clips of the final.

Rafateers do Roma - il giorno finale ...

Good afternoon lovely Rafateers!! Hugs

Hope you are all enjoying your Bank Holiday. Well ... the Romateers are back in Blighty but what a fantastic time we all had. Apologies for no report yesterday following Rafa’s magnificent triumph, but we missed the 11 pm deadline due to the rain delays, the match finishing late and too much gin *Rafan*.


But what a day we had. We awoke to magnificent sunshine and decided to get a last bit of sight-seeing in before heading off to the Foro Italico. So it took all my self control to restrain Rafan from doing her Anita Ekberg impersonation at the Trevi Fountain, we then wandered to the Pantheon and back to the Spanish Steps.


As I was forced to get up at some ungodly hour by the other two to be dragged around Italian relics, we still ended up arriving at the stadium early and went to hunt out Rafa at the practice courts ... which was full of the lady players.

So we then decided “to go to the toilet” and wandered over to the player’s entrance. I’m not really up on the ladies tennis, but we did get to see Serena (who looks sooooo pretty in real life), Jelena Jankovic (whose boyfriend is better looking), Wozzie, and a heap load of others that I just don’t recognise. But then the cries of Rafa! Rafa! started, and out came our boy in order to make his way to the Player’s Area to do some media stuff, flanked by a couple of minders. As ever, he came over to the crowds to sign and Clare got another TWO autographs (the second being cos Rafa smudged the first one). Rafan was unlucky, but I’d become the self-elected pap and decided to follow him as he did a semi-jog over to the Player’s Area, clicking my camera as I went. I only managed to get shots of him from behind though *shame*.


We then took up our position behind the boarding as what goes in, must eventually come out. Clare was there with the Spanish flag and a very shy Daveed walked into the area and he stopped to sign it. But eventually, out came Rafa.

I was right opposite the entrance and just handed Rafan’s 2009 Queens programme out to him (he’s on the front with the trophy) which he just looked at and then said to me, “Pen? Pen?” ... which of course I didn’t blinkin’ have, but someone stepped in and he then signed. I took a few snaps and he did his usual thing of going down the line. He came to Rafan and signed her Rafacap, following which Rafan said to him “Good luck. Rafa. You can do it, you can DO it!” And he just looked right at her and said, “Thank you”. (erm, that was Rafan ... not Rafa). Then he moved on to sign Clare’s Spanish Flag – which we weren’t then allowed to wave during the match.

After all this excitement, needless to say, Clare held Rafan’s head whilst I was wafting a handkerchief over her to aid her recovery *poeticlicence*, but we’d had yet another haul from our lovely boy and some words. How lucky are we??? I can’t remember at which point he waved to Clare ... but he did.

And so to the match.


Sadly, after such a good tournament, the weather hampered what would have been a good match. Rafa was always hot favourite and I think its fair to say that he does have the measure of Daveed on clay. But there were a couple of fantastic rallies within it, it was sad that the majority of the Italian crowd didn’t hang around to see it all ... but we were there, and were proud, honoured and delighted to witness him equal Andre’s record of 17 Masters by the age of 23. Well done Rafa, we are so very proud of you.

Obviously we stayed around for the trophy presentation and speeches, and then things were packed away whilst Rafa was still doing TV interviews by the chair. By this time, a healthy crowd had gathered by the players’ chairs as is usual, and you must have seen the players signing there as they left the court. But also, another crowd gathered on the other side of the stadium. We only had access to that side, but we made our way down. When Rafa had finished his media work, guess what he did? Yep ... he went around the whole stadium to greet the tennis fans. He started on our far side of the court and signed all that was put before him, and you guessed it, Clare and Rafan got another haul and of course, the close sighting. He then went across to the crowds on the other side of the court and took his time to sign everything once again, before picking up his trophy, and taking his leave.


So how to sum up the experience and the man? Well ... I would say that the man made the experience. In Clare’s lead-in she states that she didn’t think it was possible to love and respect this man any more, but after this week, she does. And that is something that we all whole-heartedly agree with.

We all love his tennis, and his guts, and his fighting spirit. We make jokes about being on the Rafarollercoaster and as his fans, we’ve not had the best of times over the last year whilst sticking with him and always trying to see the positive. But what I saw this week was something more than just the tennis player. Rafa the man ... and why its about supporting him as well as his tennis. Because I can fail to think of another superstar sportsman – and he is that – a Superstar Sportsman, who ensures that he practices close to the fans so that they can see him, so that they can watch him. He takes time out on entering the stadium, on leaving the stadium, after practise sessions, after matches, to go to the fans to sign all our memorabilia and for that one, split second to make us feel that our support to him matters, and that it counts. And he takes the time to give back to us because of the support that we give to him. He is so high in our esteem right now, I just can’t find appropriate enough words to say it.

So that was our Romateer experience. I hope you’ve enjoyed our reports as much as we did in experiencing them, and over the next few days we will try and share as many of our encounters perhaps not listed to date, including toilet breaks. Rafan is busy sorting through her 100000000000s of photographs and Clare has taken some crackers which I am sure she will post the link to. I’ll try and get those photos I took when he signed our stuff posted too, as they are really good close ups.

This week is going to seem so boring after living the Rafadrim ... but thanks for the memories Rafa, and .. VAMOS!!!

Rafateers do Roma ... giorno 6

Good evening all lovely Rafateers!!!! Its the Romateers from Roma just signing in ....

Firstly ... apologies for how this post might read as I am full of beer, red wine and limoncello ... Clare made me.

I can't believe this day. Amazing. OK ... to start from the beginning again.

We arrived early at the stadium and took up our position at the practice court in order to wait it out for Rafa. Clare decided to go shopping, and Rafan said that she "was going to the toilet".

Now then. When I "go to the toilet", I actually mean that I am "going to the toilet". However, "going to the toilet" in Rafanland, means sneaking off to the players' entrance instead of "going" to said "toilet" and ooooh ... just accidently bumping into Rafa as he arrived and getting YET ANOTHER Rafa autograph.

So she comes bounding back to say that actually, she is yet to "go to the toilet", but hey, look what I got instead!!

By the way ... 4 hours later, she had still to "go to the toilet".

Anyhow, there was no action to be had at the practice court, so we headed off to take our places for the first semi. When we arrived, we all legitimately "went to the toilet", and funny old thing, there were no players' autographs to be had ...

Sorry for glancing over the Nando and Daveed match, but time is running out for this post.

So for the main event ...


Thank God that Rafa broke in the first game of the first set because where on earth did this guy's tennis come from? We were all biting our lips, our arms off and all our nails, but Rafa was out of it for most of the second.

And so to the third. As is usual, we held our breath and I said 3 Hail Marys every time he served, but then ... in the middle of the third set came this shout from the crowd ...

COME ON RAFA!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

You guessed it ... Rafan.

And it was the kick up the @ss he needed. Noh?


All those break points ... all of them saved. And then ... OMG ... 5-4 break points and Rafa did it!!!!

To say we screamed the place down is an understatement. I cannot believe how lucky we are to be here, to have "met" Rafa, to have "gone to the toilet" and here he is in the final and we are all going to be there to see it.

We continue to live the dream Rafateers, and are loving every minute of it.

Hopefully I will have the where-with-all to write something better tomorrow, and hopefully we WILL actually get to see Rafa bite a trophy.

But above it all ....

DON'T WORRY ... HE IS NADAL !!!!!!!!!!

Romateers do Rafa ... giorno 5

Good evening lovely Rafateers and lovely Marcus.

Blimey me, what another fab-u-lous day and where again to start? OK ... at the beginning.

We arrived early and made our way to the practice courts. As the ladies had started their qualies they were using them and it was a bit difficult to try and work out about what time Rafa may appear. Anyway, Clare headed off to check out the players' entrance and we shortly all joined.

Alas ... we had missed Rafa arrive.

But lets list who we did see:-

Lovely Mo. We shouted 'hi Mo!' to him and gave him a wave, and he gave us a smile and a wave back.

Feds. Who skulked in without doing any signing. Quelle surprise.

Then there was Tsonga (wearing a big ice pack on his wrist), Juan Monaco, Querry, Isner, Daveed Ferrer on his phone and then the fragrant and very beautiful Ana walked on by.

(Psst Marcus ... I slipped her the web address of your Thread, so maybe she may pop by for Tea and Cake plus Rafan got a picture.)

We had decided that we wouldn't miss any of the day's play in order to stalk out the practice courts, but then a very kindly security man came over and told us that Rafa was out on court number 2 practising.

*run* That was us ... over to the court.


It was already busy, but good old Wooffs snaked her way down to the front and casually slipped Rafan in besides her. We let Clare fend for herself.

After Rafa finished up, Insner and Querry came onto his court and he sat and watch them for a couple of minutes. Then ... with a smile on his face he made a run for it over to the courtside to come and sign for the fans ... and would you believe it ... he did our side!!!

I cannot begin to tell you how exciting it was to see him slowly come down and you think, he's here, he's here ... and there he was, right in front of us signing one of Rafan's 10,679 Rafamags and then there he was right in front of me giving me his signature.

*swoons* and almost *faints*

This bit was blurry in my memory, but Rafan filled me in. I said "Good Luck, Rafa" to him, and he just looked in my direction and nodded at me in acknowledgement ... *screams*. Clare fortunately also got his autograph on her cap, next to Nole's , so then we whoopped, skipped and somersaulted our way to the court.

And so to the matches. Well ... you watched them all for yourselves, so I'm not going to add anything to it.

Rafa faced a very clever Stan the Man and was fortunate to take the first set and the scoreline in the second flattered him a little.

But he's there, he's in the semis and we get to do it all again tomorrow.

I can't begin to tell you the excitement of supporting Rafa for all these years and then to have him there right in front of you. Rafan came out with a lovely line today and that is because of what Rafa does in that he signs when he arrives at the stadium, when at practice, when he leaves ... he's made a lot of people go home very happy tonight.

He truly is a class act. Amazing.

Anyhow, Gulbis up tomorrow who sadly got in the way of making it a lovely Spanish 4-some tomorrow.

But the Armada *fangirls* are still very, very happy tonight. And oh ... I was wearing my tshirt with "RAFA *fangirl*" emblazoned on it. Fantastic.

VAMOS RAFA!!!

Rafateers do Roma ... giorno 4

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARE !!!

or

BUON COMPLEANNO !!!

Good morning lovely Rafateers!!!

Its the Romateers just checking in to say we have yet another beautiful day.

The Armada *fangirls* will be out in force again today as we aim to take in Nando, Feli, Daveed and will be starting off with Nole. The main event will, of course, be our lovely Rafa who plays tonight and we hope Clare will remain sober enough to see him ...

Its a great experience going to the arena and the main court is quite a cosy one to watch tennis in. We were all amazed at how hours of tennisssss just seem to fly by yesterday and we are looking forward again to the matches today.

Clare has taken some fantastic photos, and will be sure to make a daily post just to give all you guys a flavour.

Rafa yesterday met some of the Roma players and was photographed putting a Roma shirt on, so lets hope that at least endears to him to some of the Rome crowd. Not that he needs it, as of course he is fantastically popular here as he is everywhere.

We will be sure to make some noise tonight and we are at the far end of court.

Look out for those @ss shots!! Catch you all later ...

VAMOS RAFA!!

--------------------------------------------------

GOOD EVENING ALL LOVELY RAFATEERS!!!!! and for Marcus as I miss you too.

WooooHoooooo what a day!!! Where to start?

We arrived at the stadium and watched a very nice match with Novak winning out. Rafan and I then went to watch one of Rafan's squeezes - Kubot - whilst Clare and Debs went to watch some other blokes (forgot who). Rafan and I then braved it out in the boiling sun to knab a spot for a potential Rafa sighting by the practice court when a very excited Novak fangirl came to join us


As you know, Clare got 3 autographs from her hero and was chuffed to bits. But who would have then thought that the main course would be arriving. Again ... Rafan smelt him first, and on came Rafa to the practise court in a very fetching purply/pink top and he started to hit at our end. As we were right at the front, the man himself was only about 10 feet away from us.

He wished Clare a "Happy Birthday" and then went about his business. *poeticlicence*


His practice seemed fine, although the blister on his ickle finger did seem to be bothering him somewhat as Maymo came over and dispensed some TLC. And how cool and funny was it to hear Rafa speak? He spent about 45 minutes in practise and then he came over to walk the line. Sadly for us, he only signed autographs for those who were at the other side of the court from us, but then again, we got the closest view whilst he was practising.

Words can't describe what this simple *fangirl* was thinking. It was great to be so close to him and watch him first hand. What a treat. After Rafa left, we prised ourselves away and watched the second set of the Murray game. Moving swiftly on ...


And then it came, the main event ... Rafatime. I am thrilled if Denzy really got to see us on the telly.

I thought Rafa played a fine match, with some great winners. But the truth is that watching live it all seems to flash past you so fast its hard really to take it all in.

And what a double whammy treat for me. Francesco Totti ... the object of my Italian desire was sitting in the tier right below us. And oh .. Jon Arne Riise is a Rafa fanboy, we have decided.


We are living the dream here ... its all great. The only fly in the ointment is that the much awaited for match with the Sod isn't to happen. Shame that ...

Catch all you tomorrow. Biggest of hugs

Rafateers do Roma ... giorno 3

Good evening lovely Rafateers!!

Boy ... what a day we have had. It started by rather loud chuckles as the first of my many hats appeared before we set off. Clare asked if I was going to a wedding. I swear I heard one of them say "Hyacinth Bucket" under their breath, but I can't be certain.

Clare, however, is the only woman I know that brings PERSIL on holiday, and she felt compelled to put in a swift load before we set off.

We were all wearing our Rafa t-shirts, which resulted in a "Vamos Rafa!!" from both a passing scooter and a passing motorist as they read Rafan's chest. Not that my own didn't go un-noticed.

As you know, we edged our way to the practise court but Rafa was on the second court down. Rafan smelt him first, of course, and we all shouted his name and he gave a wave. No autographs today, he seemed to have his match head on.


Trust us ... we did our statutory screams throughout the match, and it was great to see Rafa on court. An easy first set was followed by Koli changing his tactics and really taking the game to Rafa. An iffy 7th game followed with Rafa having break points, but he finally prevailed and ran out with the match.

We were treated to one lovely shirt change, and at the end of the match, they were playing latino-style music and we were also treated to a hip shimmy as Rafa danced along. Wonder where he picked that up from? ...


Next on court for our Armada fest was Nando. And what a great first set that was with an exciting tie-breaker. The crowd were really behind Si-Bo (see ... we've picked up the local lingo), but his spirit was a bit broken and Nando won out.

Next up .... Feli and what a fine figure of a man he is. He was rubbish in the first, but we were enjoying the scenery. But something then clicked in the second and third and really he fought his corner. Good for him, and good for us. We were also treated to a lovely tummy and abdomen flash right in front of us. Phwoar .


Clare and Deb(minusher)Sofa watched the Ferrer match ... and we here we are back in the apartment.

To do it all again tomorrow!!! What a treat it was to see Rafa win and playing so well.

VAMOS RAFA !!! and hugs to you all.

Great work Laura and Denzy. I hope you guys can get a feel of our experience.

Rafateers do Roma ... giorno 2

Buongiorno all my lovely Rafateers and Marcus.

Rain!! Thank you for your concern Denz, as we all know what a right, royal pain I get when my hair gets wet. My efforts at testing an appropriate rain solution at t'chateau failed, Pearl. Surprisingly, Prada are right out of *rainhoods* as they are this season's "must have" accessory, but thankfully Rafan was on hand to loan me the use of her umbrella.

I let her get her hair wet instead.


Well ... I am thrillllled to report that we all followed in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn today and stuck our hands in the "Mouth of Truth". Clare is currently in the hospital as we speak getting her's sewn back on.


We have been awed by the Forum and educated as to the history of the Colesseum and were told that the "thumbs down" story of whether to finish a gladiator off is a myth ... its actually a "thumbs up" to indicate a swift slash to the throat. I have been practising said action for when Rafa plays the Sod.


I have news to report that Clare has actually banned Rafan from the Rafateers today for two counts of breaking the Rafateer code. Firstly, she dared to admit that she thought the Sod ... "has nice dimples", and secondly, as a foul, loud-mouth, very wide American walked past in a pair of chequered shorts ... she had the audacity to declare ... "Oooh ... his shorts look just like Rafa's!"

Maybe I should get some early "thumbs up" practise on Rafan too ...

Seems like we won't be seeing Feds then. Shame ...