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In honor of Rafael Nadal reportedly returning to the practice courts today, I’m posting this interesting series of videos from an interview Rafa did for the BBC’s HardTalk show in January, 2008. I’d never seen it before and it’s interesting to hear Rafa talk about some of the controversial issues (funny how little things have changed.)

Part 1: Uncle Toni is “very strict.” Also responds to rumors that his body is breaking down.

Part 2: Rafa addresses accusations of locker room intimidation and “time wasting.” Also, does he have to hate Federer to beat him?

Part 3: Rafa talks about doping, match fixing, and his ambition “to be happy.”

And finally, some highlights from Rafa’s last big win, taking out Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Masters in an epic semifinal:

Looking forward to seeing Rafa back on the courts and back in the media! He will return to competition at the Rogers Cup Masters event in Montreal, which starts on August 8.

(GTT out of office: I’m on a little vacation this week so posting may be a bit haphazard!)