My pal Rafa won't be a Lusa in final

Jul 6 2008 By Gavin Berry

RAFA NADAL was just a quiet kid in the corner when first introduced to Spanish restaurant owner Abel Lusa in London.

But Abel hopes the 22-year-old is elevated to superstar status today by being crowned king of Wimbledon at SW19.

Nadal won't make it to his favourite London diner El Cambio de Tercio if he manages to beat Roger Federer - he will be busy at the Champions Ball.

But that won't bother Abel because he'll be celebrating as much as anyone.

And victory today would complete a remarkable transformation from the kid he met five years ago.

Abel said: "Rafa was just 17 when he was first introduced to the restaurant.

"A lot of the older Spanish players such as Carlos Moya and Juan Carlos Ferrero would come along and Rafa would join them.

"He sat there as a relative unknown while the others were more famous.

"That is certainly not the case now but Rafa enjoys coming here because he probably gets harassed less than he would in Spain.

"People in his company often have something alcoholic but Rafa never does - it's strictly Coca-Cola. He more than makes up for that with what he eats though.

"Kylie Minogue, Antonio Banderas and Frank Lampard have all been to the restaurant but Rafa is as famous as any of them - a sporting superstar.

"I'd love to give him a celebratory meal if he beats Federer but he'll have to go to the Champions Ball.

"And if he loses I'm sure like last year he'll be on the first flight home."

Opposite El Cambio de Tercio is a cafe called Deja Vu. Abel will be hoping that isn't the case today.