• Wimbledon

Nadal admits best days may be behind him

ESPN staff
June 10, 2010
Rafael Nadal has a high standard to maintain on grass © Getty Images
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Rafael Nadal has conceded his best Wimbledon years may be behind him, despite making a sensational return to the grass courts on Wednesday.

Nadal battered Marcos Daniel 6-2 6-2 at Queen's to mark a seamless transition from clay, upon which he had just won his fifth French Open. Victory over Daniel had the crowd in raptures as the world No. 1 put on a show, whipping countless winners past his helpless opponent.

Nadal is eyeing the eighth Grand Slam title of his career at Wimbledon, where he won for the first time in 2008. And, having missed the tournament last year with a knee problem, he is undefeated at the All England Club since holding the famous trophy aloft.

Roger Federer was Nadal's victim in 2008, after losing arguably the greatest final of all time, and expectations are high of another classic as both men return to the draw. However, Nadal doubts he can reach those heights again.

"Sometimes when you look at matches, it seems your recent ones are the best," stated the Spaniard.

"But if you watch the matches against Andy Murray and Federer in 2008, it will be difficult to play much better."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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