Nadal relishes the opportunity to spend a week at home in Mallorca due to early defeat at Queen's
Nadal relishes the opportunity to spend a week at home in Mallorca due to early defeat at Queen'sRafael 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.
|
| Rafael Nadal of Spain (left) congratulates compatriot Feliciano Lopez after losing to him 7-6, 6-4 at Queen's Club yesterday. PIC/AFP |
Nadal suffered his first defeat in 25 matches as he went down 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the quarter-finals of the pre-Wimbledon warm-up yesterday.
But, although 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.
DrainedThat 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 said.
