World No.2 Rafael Nadal is already thinking about his next Wimbledon return after crashing out in a five-set thriller to Gilles Muller in the fourth round.
The Spaniard was trailing behind throughout the entire match, valiantly fighting back from two sets down and saving a quartet of match point before succumbing 15-13 in the decider. It it the sixth consecutive year that Nadal has failed to reach the last eight at SW19. An outcome that leaves him with mixed emotions.
“I think I didn’t play my best the first two sets.” Reflected Nadal.
“He (Muller) played well. Especially in the fifth, he played a great game. I was there, fought until the last ball, with the right attitude. Probably was not my best match, but at the same time I played against a very uncomfortable opponent.”
Monday’s loss ends Nadal’s 10-match winning streak. During the recent clay swing of the tour, he won four titles, including a record 10th French Open trophy. Furthermore, Muller is only the fifth player to defeat the Spaniard this season.
In light of his first half of the year, it could be argued that Nadal shouldn’t be too down about his latest tournament exit. On the other hand, it is no consolation prize for a player the strives for perfection in his game.
“I won matches. I play better than other years, true. At the same time I was ready for important things, so I lost an opportunity.” He said about his Wimbledon run.
A two-time champion at Wimbledon, Nadal has won fewer matches in the tournament than any other grand slam event. Struggling with his knees on the grass in recent time, this year was only the second time in five attempts that he has reached the fourth round since 2012. A sharp contrast to his 79-2 win-loss record at the French Open. Still, Nadal’s desire to play at SW19 shows no sign of disappearing anytime soon.
“I want to come back because I want to play more times in the Centre Court.” He replied when one journalist asked if will return next year.
When Nadal does return to the tournament he may not be joined by uncle Toni. At the end of the year the 56-year-old will relieve his coaching duties to focus on other commitments. Not that it bothers the former world No.1, who played-down the significance of the departure as ‘not the end of the world.’
As Nadal looks back on his missed opportunities against Muller, he seeks solace in his achievements made in 2017 so far. Wimbledon glory continues to elude him, but his passion to win the title doesn’t. Whether this passion will drive him to Wimbledon title No.3 in the future remains to be seen.
