How Rafael Nadal practiced on wet grass before winning his first Wimbledon title in 2008

| by Balasz Virag

In 2008, Rafael Nadal managed to win the most matches in a season during his career when he triumphed 82 times.

Moreover, the Spaniard won his first Wimbledon title that year, but that was preceded by his very interesting choices. Rafael Nadal started the year in Chennai where he reached the final where he suffered one of the biggest losses in his career, losing 0-6, 1-6 to Mikhail Youzhny.

Rafael Nadal set to become a father for the first time
Rafael Nadal set to become a father for the first time

Then, he reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and didn't win any tournament after the clay-court season started. He won the tournament in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Hamburg and finished it off with a triumph at the Roland Garros without dropping a set.

Then, Nadal switched focus to grass-court season as at this point in his career, he was yet to win any other Grand Slam title than Roland Garros. He started his preparations for the Wimbledon in the Queen's Club where he surprised Graham Kimpton who was the Queen's Club head groundsman.

It was raining in London, but the Spaniard headed towards the practice courts when he met Kimpton who asked him:

"They both reached out" - Ruud confirms Rafa and Toni Nadal talked to him after the Roland Garros final
"They both reached out" - Ruud confirms Rafa and Toni Nadal talked to him after the Roland Garros final

"You don't want to play, do you?"

Nadal said he wants to practice and so Kimpton told his team to put the nets back on the courts so the Spaniard can practice. Then, the Spaniard went on to win the tournament and enter the 2008 Wimbledon with a lot of confidence.

After defeating players like Mikhail Youzhny, Andy Murray and Roger Federer, he lifted his first of two Wimbledon trophies and now, he will try to add his 3rd in 2022 despite fighting an injury.

Rafael Nadal close to making a decision about his participation at Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal close to making a decision about his participation at Wimbledon

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