Nadal plans to recharge batteries ahead of Wimbledon
Nadal plans to recharge batteries ahead of Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal will take advantage of his surprise Queen's exit by returning to Spain for a revitalising sunshine break before starting his bid to win Wimbledon.
Nadal would have liked to get more practice on grass before Wimbledon, the world number one couldn't hide his relief at being able to fly back to Mallorca after a gruelling few months of non-stop competition.
He had virtually no chance to relax during a triumphant clay-court season, which brought him titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid and the French Open but left him exhausted by the time he arrived at Queen's.
That draining schedule first started to take its toll on Nadal during his third round win over Denis Istomin, when he needed treatment for a hamstring strain.
Nadal's less than impressive performance in that match was followed by an even more lacklustre effort against Lopez, so it was little surprise to hear the former Wimbledon champion express his happiness at the opportunity to put his feet up at home for a few days.
"I feel ready to go back at home and to enjoy a little bit of my home and family and friends," Nadal said.
"Since before Indian Wells, I didn't spend one week at home, so it is going to be a positive thing for me to be there and to enjoy a little bit of the Mallorca weather and the island too.
"Sure, it is disappointing to lose but at the same time, to be at home for a few days, is going to be a very positive thing.
"I will have some dinner with friends and maybe play some golf. That's it."
Nadal opted not to fulfil his doubles commitments at Queen's to give him more time to rest and recover from the hamstring strain, although he insisted the injury was no threat to his participation at Wimbledon.
"I can feel it a little bit, but I said I would try to play and I did," Nadal said.
"It seems like it's nothing very important, so that's the very positive thing. It is still there, but it is not a big problem, I think."
After a knee injury made it impossible for Nadal to defend the Wimbledon title he won in an epic final against Roger Federer in 2008, there is a sense he has unfinished business at the All England Club.
Federer remains the favourite for a title he has won six times, but Nadal, who will return to England early next week to start practising at Wimbledon, is desperate to reclaim the grass-court grand slam.
"I will go to Wimbledon with very, very good motivation," he said.
"I think I am going to have a few days next week in Wimbledon to practice. If I'm not feeling ready, I can always have an exhibition match.
"I just have to adjust things a little bit more. Next week I am going to have more time to practice and to adjust the serve, the backhand and the movements on the grass."
For now, he is looking forward to putting his racket away and watching some of the World Cup on television.
"The World Cup? Always. I was starting to watch the first match between South Africa and Mexico now in the locker room," he said.
Wimbledon Championships Hospitality
Mon Jun 21, 2010 at 11:00 Wimbledon Number One Court London United Kingdom
Wimbledon Championships Hospitality
Tue Jun 22, 2010 at 11:00 Wimbledon Center Court London United Kingdom
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