Nadal yearning for a swim after shock defeat

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - A good swim in his pool was all world number one Rafael Nadal could think about following his shock defeat at the French Open on Sunday.

The four-times champion, who was unbeaten at Roland Garros since his debut in 2005, lost 6-2 6-7 6-4 7-6 to Swede Robin Soderling in a fourth round shock on Centre Court.

Asked what his preparations for Wimbledon would be, Nadal said: "Right now, my preparation is for the swimming pool at my house."

Nadal, who was gunning for a record fifth consecutive title at the claycourt grand slam, was gracious in defeat.

"Defeats never make you grow but you also realise how difficult what I achieved up until today was, and this is something you need sometimes. You need a defeat to give value to your victories," he told reporters.

"I'm 22. Well, 23 in a couple of days. But unfortunately, it's the first time I'm not going to celebrate my birthday in Roland Garros."

Nadal, who was supposed to be presented with a birthday cake on the terrace of the press bar on Wednesday, said he had suffered worse losses.

"I've never lost here so far. It's the first match I lose. It's the round of 16. So people remember about victories and not defeats," he said.