Nadal sets sights on gold

Rafael Nadal wants to establish himself as the undisputed grass-court king before going for gold in the Olympic tennis tournament at Wimbledon next year.

The Spaniard has not lost at Wimbledon since the 2007 final when he was beaten by Roger Federer.

He exacted revenge in a classic 2008 title match, injury forced him to miss the tournament in 2009, and he returned in glory last year, sweeping Tomas Berdych aside to land the trophy again.

This year he starts a narrow favourite as he chases a third title, and in 2012 he is set to return not only for another Wimbledon but also to represent Spain in the Olympic Games.

“I love playing on grass. I love playing in this fabulous place. So I am excited to be back here,” Nadal said.

It was once Roger’s kingdom, but now Rafa reigns at the All England Club and the 25-year-old hopes it stays that way through to next summer.

“I’ve said a thousand times that my dream was always to play well here at Wimbledon. That’s true,” he said.

“At the beginning of my career everybody talked a lot about how with my style of game it was going to be always very difficult to play very well here.

“But I worked a lot and I gave my best in every practice. I have done my best since the start of my career to play well here, playing (at Queen’s Club) the week after Roland Garros, coming here one week before, having the right preparation as much as I can to be ready for this tournament.”

Nadal is a great advocate of the Olympics and is delighted tennis is a part of it.

It can be argued that tennis does not need an Olympic slot, given the stature of the grand slams, but Nadal won gold four years ago in Beijing, and left China with only positive memories.

“The Olympics are a very special event,” he said.

“The experience of living in the village, and experiencing these moments with the rest of the sports people, that is something special.

“For me to be there in Beijing 2008, enjoying two weeks in the village with the rest of the sportsmen from around the world, but especially from Spain, was unforgettable for me.

“To be in the opening ceremony on the first day is something that you don’t know if you’ll have the chance to repeat in your life.”

Nadal, who won the French Open at the start of June to take his grand slam tally to 10 titles, takes on American Michael Russell in the opening match on Centre Court today.

Rain is expected to disrupt play, but at least the roof on Centre should guarantee continuous play there.

If the forecast downpours bypass SW19, big-serving Czech Berdych will face Italian Filippo Volandri on Court One, followed by Andy Roddick’s clash with Germany’s Andreas Beck.