Nadal in Olympic battle
Spaniard working hard to be fit for Olympic defence
Last Updated: July 19, 2012 4:07pm
Rafael Nadal: Due to carry the Spanish flag at the opening ceremony in London
Rafael Nadal is battling hard to recover from a knee complaint and be fit for the defence of his Olympic crown.
The 26-year-old is due to carry the Spanish flag and lead his nation's team at the opening ceremony in London.
The 11-time Grand Slam winner was surprisingly knocked out by Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon two weeks ago and is working hard to ensure he will be ready to return to the All England Club to defend his Olympic title.
Speaking as he received the flag from the Spanish Olympic Committee, he said: "I am doing everything possible to recover.
"Carrying the flag will be something unforgettable and I hope that Spain continue on the path of success it has been on for the past few years."
Rafael Nadal Quotes of the week
"After (winning the French open at) Roland Garros I had a difficult time, but the excitement is at its maximum, I am working as hard as I can and hopefully I will be at 100%.
"I am the one who is most worried. I hope that things improve and my intention is to arrive in London well prepared and recuperated. It is for this that I work every day.
"Carrying the flag will be something unforgettable and I hope that Spain continue on the path of success it has been on for the past few years."
Hardest title
Nadal believes the Olympics is the hardest title to win. "This is the hardest title to win because in the career of a tennis player you only get two or three opportunities," he said.
"I feel very fortunate to have been as I was that week in Beijing. I had the luck to arrive at almost an impeccable moment."
The 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon champion insisted that his confidence on grass had not been shaken by the Rosol defeat.
"Opponents intimidate everyone, you can't hide when you are competing against the best.
"You go onto court knowing that you can win or lose. You have to accept both things. I have already had years of competing and I know that there are bad moments and defeats."
