Wimbledon 2014: Rafael Nadal not motivated by Spain’s World Cup loss

Rafael Nadal insists that he has no extra motivation ahead of Wimbledon following Spain’s dismal exit from the World Cup.

The defending champions were knocked out of the tournament in Brazil last week following consecutive defeats by the Netherlands and Chile.

But Spaniard Nadal, who suffered a shock first-round exit at the hands of Steve Darcis last year at SW19, says his country’s dismal World Cup campaign will not affect him.

It was only the first half against Holland that was positive. After that was everything so negative

Rafael Nadal

“For me it doesn’t make a difference on my motivation,” said Nadal. “I am sad. Everybody in Spain is sad for what happened in the World Cup.

“But my mentality, my motivation going to be always at the top to play here in Wimbledon. So I am not more motivated because Spain lost in the World Cup.”

Asked for his take on Spain’s demise, Nadal continued: “That’s sport, that’s life, that’s normal.

“It’s not the first time that happens in the world of sport, and will not be the last that these kind of things happen.

“Everybody who understands about sport understands that there is a beginning and there is an end.

“It’s difficult to make changes when the team had the success that this team had.

“After you lose, you feel free to make the changes. But at the same time, it’s a little bit sad that nobody ‑ the players, the coach, the fans ‑ nobody had the chance to enjoy that World Cup.

“It was only the first half against Holland that was positive. After that was everything so negative.

“Now is the moment to analyse the mistakes and to work hard for the next competitions.”