Rafael Nadal

I think the tennis is only a game. You can lose. You can win. After that? In life, there are much more important things than tennis.

I am afraid of a lot of things. A dog. I could be afraid of a dog that’s upset, for example. And on the tennis courts, maybe on the outside I look fearless, but on the inside, I’m scared. There’s not one player in the world who isn’t nervous before matches. Especially important matches.

I’m really, really emotional.

I learned during all my career to enjoy suffering.

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

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.

I am happy with being a tennis player and the choice I took when I was 12. But clearly, if I wouldnt have been a tennis player, I would have loved to be a soccer player. But again, I am happy with the choice I made.

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.

[on Roman Abramovich] We were never friends – José Mourinho

The US player Andy Roddick reaches speeds of 220 kilometers per hour when he serves. If I train with him every day, I will later be at an advantage against a player whose service crosses the net at 190 kilometers per hour.

The record of Borg and Vilas? I have thought about it.

I’m really, really emotional.

I’ll never have a tattoo – I just don’t like them, and when you’re old they can look a disaster. As for piercings, I don’t like them on men.

Since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to do sports for a living. In the beginning, I played a lot of soccer, but in the end I chose tennis. I love sports in general … But tennis is my passion.

I think the tennis is only a game. You can lose. You can win. After that? In life, there are much more important things than tennis.

Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball, the rules and realities of the game – and do it by watching some high school or small-town teams.

The philosophy of FIFA is to expand world soccer space, to spread out the world football space.

I am thrilled to be the new team captain. I am sure that the pressures I’ve faced on centre court will stand me in good stead to battle it out against Ian and his team.

Andre Sa is playing close to his potential – maybe even above it.

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.

My serve can get better, for sure. It’s not just about serving bombs, but positioning, variation in speed, in spin.