Kneesy does it for Rafa
RAFA NADAL has changed his tune about his chances of winning Wimbledon, admitting yesterday he is a serious contender for the title.
In the build-up to the tournament the Spanish ace all but dismissed his hopes, insisting his knee issues made it tough for him to play on the grass at SW19.
But yesterday, after blowing away Aussie John Millman 6-1 6-3 6-2 on Court One, the fourth seed said: “I have a good chance.
“I have played well and made few mistakes, and I think I’m serving at a good speed, first and second serve.”
Double Wimbledon winner Nadal, who missed the championships last year due to a wrist injury, added: “I’m happy because I didn’t win a lot of matches in the last couple of years here in Wimbledon.
“It’s true that after 2012 and what happened with my knees, it has been tougher and tougher to compete on grass for me.
Mistakes
“I had good feelings with the ball during the whole week of practice. Then, you know, on grass you meet players who can be very aggressive and anything can happen.
“It was obvious at the beginning I was trying not to make a lot of mistakes, playing more safe. I finished the match hitting some great forehands.”
Pressed about his dodgy knees, the 31-year-old said: “My knees are ready for the second round.
“I joke but I am happy playing here at Wimbledon in positive terms on my health.”
Nadal, who faces American Donald Young in the second round tomorrow, warned about expecting a similar outcome to his glorious run at the French Open, where he won his 10th title earlier this year.
“This is a totally different story to Roland Garros and has no similarity to what happened there, which was much better than I might have dreamt.”
Mrin Cilic, the 2004 US Open winner, suggested he could prove a tough opponent for anyone in his side of the draw as he pounded German Phillip Kohlschreiber 6-4 6-3 6-2.
But shot of the day came when Spainiard Fernando Verdasco lobbed 6ft 8in South African Kevin Anderson from the baseline. He still lost in four sets.