Nadal serves up an ominous warning: I play my best tennis on grass

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Spaniard claimed his fourth French Open title last week on the clay of Roland
Garros and is yet to win a major away from Paris.

Despite being considered a clay court specialist Nadal hit back at claims made by
former Wimbledon champion Michael Stich that he is not capable of winning at SW19
this year.

Better on grass: Nadal serves up a warning

He said: “I know the grass is a difficult surface for me but I probably play my best tennis on this surface. It is important to play well on every surface and Wimbledon is a very important tournament. I am still young and have to continue to improve.

“I have four Grand Slams already and I want to have more, if it’s possible, on a different surface.”

Nadal pointed to last year’s final against world No1 Roger Federer, who edged a five-set classic, as proof he can adapt to the quicker surface.

“My best memory of playing on grass is at the same time the worst - the final last year at Wimbledon,” said Nadal, who faces Japan’s Kei Nishikori at Queen’s today.

“I played an unbelievable match but at the same time I lost a good chance to win my
favourite tournament.”