World No.1 Rafael Nadal has said his decision to not play in any grass court tournaments prior to Wimbledon was necessary to protect his body from injury.
Earlier this month the French Open champion pulled out of the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s. Saying that he was advised by doctors to rest after winning his 11th title at Roland Garros. During the European clay-court season, Nadal won 24 out of 25 matches played. Claiming titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Paris. His only loss was to Dominic Thiem at The Madrid Open.
“It was not positive for me to not play Queen’s. I was sad to not have the chance to be there. On the other hand, I didn’t go there because I played a lot on clay. So I was very happy.” Nadal told reporters on Saturday.
“I am not 20 any more. I have to take decisions with the schedule sometimes. I decided to not play Queen’s because after a long clay court season, the body needed a rest, needed a slow adaptation to adapt to the grass. That’s what I did.”
Few can blame Nadal for his cautious approach to the upcoming grand slam given his injury history. Especially when it comes to his problematic knees on the grass. At the end of 2017 he pulled out of the ATP Finals due to an occurrence of a knee injury. Then earlier this year, he missed two-and-a-half months of competitive tennis due to a leg problem.
“I am taking care of my body. You cannot predict injuries.” He said. “I don’t know if it’s unlucky or not, but I got injured more than the others, especially my rivals. That’s it.”
“I just have to accept and keep going, try to do the things the better way possible to be less injured. But it is something that you cannot control.”
The 2008 final
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Nadal’s first triumph at Wimbledon. Back in 2008 he defeated Roger Federer in a match lasting almost five hours to win his maiden title at The All-England Club. Prevailing 9-7 in the fifth set. An achievement he describes as ‘one of the most emotional matches of his career.’ Asked what has changed since then, Nadal joked about the wear and tear on his body.
“I’m older, more kilometres under my legs. In general terms, important things in life didn’t change much. That’s the real thing.” He replied.
“In terms of tennis, of course I had to adapt a little bit my game during that period of time.
“Today I see that final like a long time ago. But the good thing is I still here. I am happy for that.”
Since that magical moment Nadal also won the trophy in 2010, but has been less fortunate in recent time. It has almost been seven years since the Spaniard reached the last eight of the tournament. Despite his recent lack of success at Wimbledon, the 31-year-old is still aiming high.
“My expectations are always high. I am not here to play the tournament; I am here to try to have a good results.” Nadal stated.
“I know to be there I have to play very well in the conditions at the beginning of the tournament because here there is no one easy match. All the matches are difficult. I need to be ready from the beginning. I am looking forward to have the best preparation possible the next two days that I still have and just be ready.”
Nadal is seeded second in this year’s draw. He will play Dudi Sela of Israel in the first round on Tuesday.
