Rafael Nadal insists that he is in an upbeat mood in the build-up to Wimbledon, despite suffering a shock defeat to Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarterfinals of the Halle Open.
The Spaniard claimed his seventh French Open title, earlier this month, but does not enjoy such dominance on grass, although he has won two Wimbledon titles – in 2008 when he beat Roger Federer in the final, and two years ago, when he saw off Tomas Berdych.
However, the unheralded German, Kohlschreiber, shocked Nadal 6-3 6-4 at Halle. After the clash, the Spaniard insisted he had no regrets about playing in the tournament for the first time since 2005.
“I have played the week after the French Open for eight years, with the exception of 2009 when I was injured,” said Nadal.
“It has always worked out fantastically for me. Even if I lost, the two matches and the practice I have had here have helped me a lot. I hope to be back again next year.
“On the grass courts, if you are not full of confidence, then all matches are a lottery, particularly over three sets.”
Nadal will now head home to Spain to relax, before attempting to win the Wimbledon title for a third time.
He has reached the final at SW19 on each of his last five appearances at the tournament; he missed Wimbledon in 2009 because of injury.
In 2006 and 2007, Federer beat the 26-year-old in the final, while, last year, Novak Djokovic swept him aside in four sets.
It is anticipated that Nadal will be the second seed at Wimbledon, with Djokovic the top seed, Federer number three, and Andy Murray four. The Wimbledon 2012 odds have a similar opinion of the four players.
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