Rafa revitalised and raring to go

“Expectations are always high.”

The unrelenting competitive drive that courses through Rafael Nadal’s formidable figure is showing no signs of diminishing.

“I am not here to play the tournament; I am here to try to have a good results, of course.  I'm feeling good. I decided to be here in Wimbledon again, of course. Is a very special event. I always loved to be around here. Has been always a special thing.”

An absorbing clay-court campaign culminated with a 26-1 record on the red dirt and a mind-boggling 11th Roland-Garros title.

As a result, the 32-year-old was cautious to rest his body and hasn’t been in competitive action since, but Nadal is adamant that will not affect his chances of a title pursuit at the All England Club.

Slow adaptation?

“Even with matches, you arrive here and you really don't know very well. Wimbledon is an event that you need to find your confidence during the tournament and during the practice the week before,” explained the world No.1, who was forced to withdraw from his Wimbledon warm-up at Queen’s Club in order to recover from his clay-court exertions.

“For example, when I arrived to Roland Garros, I know more or less if I am playing well or if I am not playing well.

“But I am not 20 anymore. I had to take decisions on the schedule sometimes. I decided to don't 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.”

This year marks a decade

The two-time Wimbledon champion last hoisted up the trophy in 2010, but this year marks a decade from his first sublime triumph. The 2008 final in near darkness was a monumental five-setter with Roger Federer which a lot of players, pundits and journalists herald as a prime candidate for the best match ever.

“Older, more kilometres under my legs,” said Nadal with a smile, recalling their gladiatorial duel. “That final has been a very important step forward for me in my career. I always have been very clear that probably is one of the most emotional matches that I played in my career.

“Yeah, everybody knows that for me win here was one of my dreams. After losing two finals, that final created a big impact in my tennis career. The personal satisfaction that tournament give to me is difficult to compare with other things. Today I see that like a long time ago. But the good thing is I still here. I am happy for that.”

His longevity continues to show no bounds

Looking forward the Spaniard tackles world No.127 Dudi Sela in the first round on Tuesday in south west London, possessing a 2-0 head-to-head record with the Israeli. 

“I know to be there I have to play very well on the conditions at the beginning of the tournament because here there is no one easy match. All the matches are difficult,” added the 17-time Grand Slam champion. “I need to be ready from the beginning. I am looking forward to have the best preparation possible and just be ready.”

The longevity of Nadal and Federer continues to show no bounds, sharing the past six Grand Slam titles between them. Once again they are the top two seeds and a decade on we could well witness another full-throttle ‘Fedal’ final on July 15.

Remember, Rafa’s expectations are high.