And so it begins. Roger Federer has been warned by Rafael Nadal that the world number one’s reign as Wimbledon champion is about to come to an end.
Rafael Nadal’s brilliant performances on the clay courts at the French Open have ensured him 4 successive Roland Garros titles, and yet he looked just as at home on grass during Sunday’s 7-6, 7-5 win over Novak Djokovic in the Queen’s final.
Nadal is very convinced that this will be the year that he takes down Roger Federer in the Wimbledon 2008 championship at the All England Club in London.
Nadal’s previous defeats against Roger Federer at previous Wimbledon Championships have only made him (Nadal) more determined to go on and win his first title as Wimbledon 2008 champion. And in doing so, he would be the first Spaniard to do so.
While Rafael Nadal was becoming the first male to win the French Open (Roland Garros) and Queen’s in the same year, Roger Federer has also been getting back in the winning habit in Halle.
Rafael Nadal on Roger Federer noticing the win, “For sure he will have noticed. We have very good relationship. For sure I think he’s happy for me and I am happy for him”.
“To win a prestigious tournament like this, a very traditional tournament is very nice, and it will give me more confidence.
“But I was full of confidence after Roland Garros too, so for me confidence doesn’t matter.
“You never know what’s going on in Wimbledon. I think I am playing well. And if I continue playing like this, I am going to have chances for have a good result there.
“Everybody can win it. I can for sure. I played two finals. Why can’t I win it? But it will be a lot of work to win Wimbledon.
“Right now it is very easy for everybody to say I am one of the favourites. But the second Sunday of Wimbledon, we will know who is going be the favourite.”
While Nadal has headed back to Mallorca for three days, Djokovic will stay in England ahead of the start date of Wimbledon 2008 on June 23.
Djokovic was the Australian Open champion, and was upset that he missed several opportunities to avenge his defeat against Nadal at the French Open 2008.
“It’s good to play him before Wimbledon one time, just to see how it goes and if I’m playing better on grass,” Djokovic said.
“I think I’m playing better and better match after match. I’ve improved my serve a lot. There are some things that I need to work on still, so I have time before Wimbledon.
“But I’m not thinking about Wimbledon 2008 semifinals and Wimbledon 2008 finals already. It’s a long way through.
“I’ve had an intense couple of months. It’s been great for me. I’ve achieved a lot. I just hope to keep on going. The most important thing is to find the balance between work and relaxation and taking some time off.”
For a few moments at the Queen’s final, Djokovic had the better of Nadal.
After his win at the Australian Open 2008, Djokovic believes his confidence has gone through the roof and he expect that belief to be crucial at Wimbledon.
“It makes a difference being a Grand Slam champion at any tournament,” he said. “You have a lot of confidence. You approach every tournament in a different way, with more belief.
“You know that you’re on the top. In my case, I’m happy that I can play a great tennis on all kinds of surfaces, which makes me an all around player, which is very important in today’s tennis.”
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