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Rafael Nadal
Up for the cup: Rafael Nadal

Nadal gets in the swing for shot at Wimbledon glory

Evening Standard   16 Jun 2008


Rafael Nadal will be on the golf course today trying to relax before turning his attention to winning the Wimbledon crown.

Nadal, the undisputed king of clay, defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic 7-6, 7-5 in the Artois final at Queen's to win his first grass-court title and then flew to Majorca for some rest, relaxation and home cooking.

It was stunning performance by the world No2 who became the first player to win the French Open in Paris and a week later lift the Artois trophy.

Nadal took time out after clinching his victory to suggest that Roger Federer, seeking a sixth successive Wimbledon triumph, would be happy his arch-rival was now a winner on grass. "For sure, I think he [Roger] is happy for me and I am happy for him," said the Spaniard, who had seen that Federer had won the Halle title in Germany earlier in the day to make it 59 wins in a row on grass. "I can win Wimbledon because I have played in two finals. Why can't I? But there 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. On the second Sunday of Wimbledon, that is when we will know who is going be the favourite."

The 22-year-old, winner of four successive French Open titles, will return to London for final Wimbledon practice on Wednesday or Thursday.

He said: "My dream is to win Wimbledon and I am playing well. If I continue like this, then I have a good chance. I have titles on all the surfaces, so I am a more complete player than one week ago.

"I am a little tired but in a few days it won't matter because Wimbledon is very important and I will be ready."

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