Rafael Nadal

I am not the most courageous guy in the world outside of the court. Being alone in the dark is something I don’t like.

It’s more a tennis problem than a mental problem. The transition is difficult. It depends how much time you have. Playing on grass can sometimes be a bit of a lottery.

I always like to do the things that I think are right. I am not trying to be a model, I am trying to be myself and do the right things. If what I am doing is a model, or is an example, is the right example, I am very happy, but I don’t pretend that.

I am going to fight for important things.

I am No. 8 in the world. I am not No. 100.

I have lived my whole life with high intensity.

I learned during all my career to enjoy suffering.

For me, pressure is bird flu. I’m feeling a lot of pressure with the problem in Scotland. It’s not fun and I’m more scared of it than football.

I don’t have any idols, any heroes, nothing, no.

I have lived my whole life with high intensity.

The guy comes up to the plate, there’s always a chance where he can get a grand slam and everybody forgets about all the times he missed.

I am a guy who likes to do what I am doing with passion, whether it’s a soccer match with friends or golf.

No one is perfect. Everybody does stupid things.

I’m not the best player in the history of tennis. I think I’m amongst the best. That’s true. That’s enough for me.

I started to travel like this at the age of 15 so for me, it’s normal. Some days you get tired and you feel, ‘I want to stay at home a little bit more,’ but it’s only the moment.

I’m getting excited before every single game. The trophy at the end is less important than the process itself.

Our strategy [at Chelsea] is to bring up our own players through the academy, which we have invested a lot in, and hope it gives results.

It is important to recognize the small successes.

Two weeks ago, I was in a fantastic situation, winning at Roland Garros. Now, losing in the first round, it’s tough. The tour continues. Life continues. This is a sport of victories, not a sport of losses. Nobody remembers the losses. I don’t want to remember the loss.

Anyone could become a star, but everyone must be a human being.

I take pleasure in tennis and the hope that it requires.