Nadal Praise for Mahut

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World No. 2 Rafael Nadal gave credit to his opponent, Nicolas Mahut, after the top seed was sent crashing out of the Artois Championships in the quarterfinals by the Frenchman.

“I just try my best, with the best tactic,” said Nadal, who lost 7-5, 7-6(0). “I have little bit of chance, one breakpoint in the second set at 2 1, 2 2, he give me ace outside. After I had some more breakpoints. He serve very well. One second serve 123 miles outside advantage in the breakpoint. That's unbelievable.”

Despite the loss, Nadal said he was pleased to have won two matches on grass after. “I am happy with my tournament,” said Nadal. “Always is difficult adapt the change in just one day. I play the quarterfinal. That's not bad tournament for me on grass. That's important for my preparation for Wimbledon, too, no? Have three matches is so much better than if I don't come here. Very happy with my tournament. But a lot of changes, very fast changes, difficult to assimilate.”

Nadal will now go back to Spain before turning his attentions to Wimbledon. “I need come back to home,” said Nadal. “Is a lot of time in the last two months. I was maybe two days at home. I need disconnect, play some golf, watch a little bit end of the football league, have some fun with the friends. I need put the racquet two days very far from me.

“I would love win today and play the semifinals or final here, come back to home for few days, too, no? But, anyway, I was trying my best today. It was not possible. Just the positive thing is I going to have a little bit time at home. The negative thing is I can't play the semifinals tomorrow.”