Rafael Nadal says 'G-Day mate' to Aussie fans

Rafael Nadal reached out to his fans here by launching a blog at the Australian Open, taking questions on everything from what motivates him to whether he has sex during a tournament.

Hi everyone, or should I say "g'day mate"? I have been told that this is the way Australians say "hello", so I wanted to also say it like this.

This is my first blog in Australia and I am very thankful to this newspaper to have given me this opportunity.

I have done a few blogs at other places like Paris, London and New York, but this is my first one in Melbourne.

I am not going to lie to you, this is not easy for me since I am not a writer.

Not even close. But I know I have a lot of fans here and when I was asked I was very happy to do it and I hope you forgive my mistakes - my bad English, my non-professional way of writing.

I also hope that the media doesn't get upset with me for doing this. Why should they? I only say things that they would never write about! Right? :-)

I am back here in Melbourne and I have to say that I love being here.

You know, coming from the cold weather to this beautiful summer, with all these nice people around and also to play the first big event of the season, is something that makes me happy.

Those following me know that I love the competition. And the real competition starts here.

I have to say that I am excited.

I hope we will have a lot of time these weeks to talk about many things. Hopefully I'll be around for a few days.

After my fifth or sixth blog I start thinking what am I going to write about - but I am also answering your questions, so come on and send me easy ones.

Many thanks and ... 'Good on you mate' (that's another one I know :-)

Rafa

To check out the Q&A between Rafa and fans, click here.

(Via AFP, news.com.au; Image by Clive Brunskill)

The Australian Open starts today!

Fans make their way through entry points during day one of the 2009 Australian Open at Melbourne today.

If you want to check out what are the matches in progress, click here.


(Images by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Australian Open: Some off court photos you might have missed

Here's a couple of priceless photos of Tommy Robredo relaxing at Port Melbourne beach ahead of the Australian Open.

But sitting on an Australian flag which appears to be a towel is rather disrespectful, eh???

I hope this will not create sort of a controversy. I swear if this happen in my country, Tommy will be asked to apologize to the whole nation.

Rumour says that Andy Murray is confident that he will get the role as the Hulk in Hollywood soon.

Australian Open defending champion Novak Djokovic launched his signature 'Falcon' range with the help of an aerial court at Melbourne's State Theatre and Molly the falcon.

Jelena Jankovic goes Chinese. She surprises many after signing with a leading Chinese sports brand called ANTA.

I have no problem with JJ chosing an almost unheard brand. Tennis does not belong to Nike or Adidas anyway.

Andy Roddick shows us what the Americans love and prefer to play.


(Images via news.com.au)

Australian Open: IMG Players Party

Some of the tennis stars were at Breezes in Crown Entertainment Complex for the annual Crown IMG Baller Party celebrating the start of this year's Aussie Open.

Check out these photos.

Rafael Nadal who is not feeling the pressure to win the AO, posing
with sisters Melinda and Victoria Petrolo.

Jelena Jankovic is wearing a Wayne Cooper dress and Louis Vuitton bag and shoes.

Roger Federer is Mr Suave no. 1.

James Blake is Mr Suave no. 2.

Carlos Moya is Mr Suave no. 3.

Feliciano Lopez spoilt the party with a cheap homemade t-shirt.

David Nalbandian shares a laugh with Channel Seven's Mia Grieves.

Radek Stepanek looks as if he owns Nicole Vaidisova. Well, literally he is.
And his girl looks kinda intimidated.

Australian wild card Monika Wegnert, 16.

(Images by Fiona Hamilton via news.com.au)