“The calendar was perfect for me, winning seven tournaments of the nine and playing two finals. I cannot say I will make something different today because I will not. I will repeat my calendar. My season has been fantastic, much better than I thought five months ago. So I am happy. I know that loss [yesterday] can happen and it happened. That’s all.”
Nadal’s surprise defeat to Lukas Rosol last year prompted his long lay-off and the 27-year-old hinted at another break when asked when he would return to the court. He said: “Not very late, not that late, for sure.”
Nadal’s long-time rival Roger Federer enjoyed serene progress in easing past Romania’s Victor Hanescu and revealed his pride at beginning proceedings on Centre Court as defending champion.
“It’s always been a dream come true for me,” he said.
