Rafael Nadal arrives at Wimbledon able he has by no means been in.

Earlier than this 12 months, the Spaniard had by no means triumphed on the Australian Open and Roland Garros in the identical season. Now he’s midway to changing into the first males’s singles participant to win the Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

One 12 months in the past, Novak Djokovic claimed the primary three majors of the 12 months earlier than falling within the US Open ultimate. Nadal, a two-time Wimbledon champion, will attempt to transfer nearer to attaining the feat at SW19, the place he would be the second seed.

The lefty will even try to maneuver additional away from his chief rivals within the race for probably the most main titles. Nadal earned his twenty second Slam at Roland Garros, whereas Djokovic and Roger Federer personal 20 every. It’s the 36-year-old’s first look at The All England Membership since 2019, when he misplaced within the semi-finals in opposition to Federer.

Each Nadal and Djokovic practised on Centre Court docket Thursday, a historic second at Wimbledon. It was the primary time that the match has allowed apply on Centre Court docket and No. 1 Court docket earlier than the primary day of the occasion. Organisers permitted it in an effort to assist the gamers get used to the circumstances and break within the courts.

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Nadal skilled with Italian Matteo Berrettini, who superior to his first main ultimate at Wimbledon one 12 months in the past. The Italian underwent proper hand surgical procedure in March, however has rapidly returned to type on the grass. Berrettini has gained all 9 matches he has performed since his practically three-month absence, lifting trophies in Stuttgart and at The Queen’s Membership.

Djokovic is 79-10 on the grass-court main and has gained its previous three editions. The highest seed will chase his seventh Wimbledon trophy and twenty first main crown over the approaching fortnight.

The Serbian practised on Centre Court docket with former Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic. The Croatian has discovered a few of his finest type in latest weeks, having reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros and The Queen’s Membership.