Nadal eyes Wimbledon despite Halle loss

16 Jun 2012, 1:25 pm   -   Source: AAP

Rafael Nadal says it was the right call to back up his French Open win by playing in Halle, despite crashing out in the quarter-finals.

Rafael Nadal does not regret his decision to go straight to grass from his historic seventh French Open triumph despite a shock quarter-final loss at Halle, a key Wimbledon tune-up event.

World number two Nadal slumped to a 6-3 6-4 defeat to Philipp Kohlschreiber, his first loss to the German in nine meetings as his build-up to Wimbledon was cut short.

He insisted he was right to play the tournament for the first time since 2005 even though world number one Novak Djokovic decided to rest and take the week off.

"I have played the week after the French Open for eight years with the exception of 2009 when I was injured," said Nadal, who has traditionally played the Queen's Club grasscourt tournament in his Wimbledon preparation.

"It has always worked out fantastically for me. Even if I lost, the two matches and the practice I have had here have helped me a lot. I hope to be back again next year.

"On the grass courts, if you are not full of confidence, then all matches are a lottery, particularly over three sets."

Nadal said he would not make excuses for his defeat and was heading home to Spain to relax before launching his assault on the Wimbledon title which he won in 2008 and 2010.

"This is not the time to look for excuses or to ask the reasons why I lost. My movement wasn't great and I need a little more time to make adjustments to my shots," said Nadal.

"I will rest at home. I can't practise on grass there but it's better not to practise for a few days. It's time to rest with my family, friends, to relax.

"I've played almost every match possible since Indian Wells. When I'm ready to come back, I'll go to Wimbledon."

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