Nadal looked glum after his exit (©GettyImages). Rather than wallowing in self pity following another disappointing Wimbledon showing, Rafael Nadal has put a smile back on his face with a trip home to a Spain which, as always, basks in the sun.
The former world no.1, who lost top spot to fierce rival Novak Djokovic, has been relaxing with mates in Formentera as many other top tennis stars also take advantage of a break in the schedule at the moment. Maria Sharapova together with boyfriend and semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov also hit the beach this week.
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Summer of contrasting fortunes
Nadal was busy breaking more records last month at the French Open as he became the only man to win nine titles at Roland Garros, but his summer ended on a sour note at SW19 as emerging teenager Nick Kyrgios defied his ranking out of the world's top 100 to shock the 14-time major winner in round four.
It was a highly-unexpected loss but it came after the 28-year-old never really got out of first gear at the Championships. In all of his three previous matches in London, Nadal had lost the first set - and Kyrgios made him pay in an enthralling Centre Court contest.
The Spaniard apologised to his fans for failing to bag a third title in London and will look to go more glory at the US Open in August. After all, Wimbledon has emerged as something of a bogey tournament, the left hander has won just four times in three years on the grass.
Relaxing time
However, for now, Nadal is too busy sunning himself topless and trying his hand at spearfishing in the Balaeric islands. He took to social networks earlier in the week by posting a picture to fans which he boasted about having a great meal with great views.
Renewal of Djokovic rivalry
While Nadal was spending time on his luxury yacht, he would've looked on enviously at Djokovic who won a final thriller on Sunday against 17-time major winner Roger Federer.
The Serbian and the Spaniard have a great rivalry, perhaps the biggest in tennis' big four which also includes Federer and Andy Murray.
The successful pair have met seven times in Grand Slam finals whilst jockeying for the top ranking. Nadal will hope for a repeat of the 2013 US Open final where he brushed aside the 27-year-old in four sets. That win followed his first in America back in 2008, though the hard courts don't harbour as much success for the 'King of Clay'.
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