Nadal feeling rested and ready to go
LONDON - Rafael Nadal heads into Monday's start of Wimbledon fully refreshed and eager after resting instead of competing in the two weeks prior to the start of the grass-court grand slam.
Nadal won a record 10th French Open last month and then withdrew from the Queen's club event on doctor's recommendation.
Instead, he took some days off before hitting on new grass courts on his home island of Mallorca by way of a buildup to the major.
"I would love to be playing in Queen's, obviously. But after the last three months and after what happened in Roland Garros we decided that for my body is better to have a slower change to the grass," the 31-year-old Spaniard said on the eve of Wimbledon.
"We were practising little bit more every day. I was lucky to have a (WTA) tournament there in Mallorca. That was a big help."
Nadal does not have to be reminded that in the past decade and a half, only Roger Federer, himself, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have lifted the trophy at the All England club.
His response: "I don't know, maybe that change this year. You never know."
Nadal will be competing without coach Carlos Moya on site, with the player saying his mentor needed to spend some time with his family.
"It's that he has three kids. It's obvious that I have a great team around me. Toni is here. Frances (Roig) is here. That's why I have three people in my team," Nadal said.
"Carlos rests now. Is important for him to stay with the family, too."
Nadal is cagey on his title chances this edition, saying: "There are always decisions that you have to take. On the decisions, you take risks. Sometimes goes well, sometimes are not going that well.
"My motivation is always high in all the events that I play. If not, I am not playing. You can imagine always playing here in Wimbledon for me has been very, very special.
"It was one of the biggest goals that I have when I started to have success in this sport, play well in this tournament. I did five times.
"Let's see what's going on this year. I am excited to be playing again here, in a tournament that I really love. I really enjoy playing. But at the same time I tell you, is a tournament that you can go out very early in the tournament.
"If I am able to go through at the beginning, I think I am with confidence. I am playing well since the beginning of the season, so let's see."
DPA