Rafael Nadal still remembers his first round shock defeat in Halle – Tennis News
World number two, Rafael Nadal of Spain, is cautious that history may repeat itself during his first round match at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.
In his only previous appearance at this ATP World Tour 250 event, Nadal was surprised by Alexander Waske of Germany in the opening match in 2005.
This year, the Spaniard is drawn to face Slovakia’s Lukas Lacko, ranked 58th in the world, in the first round at the Gerry Weber Open on Thursday.
In 2005, Nadal had come to this event straight after winning his maiden French Open title. Situation is almost the same after a gap of seven years but numbers are different, as the Spaniard has reached here after capturing his
seventh Roland Garros crown.
The King of Clay defeated the reigning world number one, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, in four sets in the French Open final to grab his 11th Grand Slam title.
Nadal admitted, "When you win a tournament like Roland Garros, it's very difficult to play the following week. Especially when you win for the first time, the first Grand Slam in my career. This time, I can lose tomorrow but for
sure I'll try to stay focused on the match."
The Spaniard added, "The week after winning a tournament like Roland Garros is never easy because there is a lot of tension, a lot of emotion. I also played a lot of matches on clay this season, I am always a little tired after
the French. There are adjustments -- the speed of the court.”
However, another difference this time is Nadal’s level of experience on the grass courts. Seven years ago, grass was almost an alien surface for the Spaniard but now he is a two-time former champion of Wimbledon Championships.
The Mallorca, Spain resident was defeated by the then world number 69, Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, in four sets 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6 in the second round at the All England Club in 2005. After losing to Federer for two successive
years in the title matches, Nadal was third time lucky, as he dethroned the Swiss Maestro in a five set thriller 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7 in the 2008 final.
The Spaniard has had an impressive season so far, winning four tour level titles. He will be looking to prepare in the best manner for the Wimbledon Championships and then recapturing his lost title at the grass courts of the All
England Club.
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