Rafael Nadal is now gearing up to take the 2022 Wimbledon Championships trophy back home. He is just two matches away from the biggest title of grass swing. If Nadal manages to claim victory this season, he will embrace the trophy after, over 10 years of wait.

Speaking of his last triumph, the Spaniard, apart from the title, received a very special offer that year. Queen Elizabeth II sent him an invitation for lunch, which a busy Nadal, caught in training couldn’t accept. Here’s what a man who missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity had to say.

Rafael Nadal about prioritizing training over the invitation

Nadal declined the offer of spending some time with the queen, as it would have hindered his practice session. And when asked about the same, he said, “It was disappointing for me, but the Wimbledon club knows I have my routines before the match. I knew it was going to be a very difficult match.”

“I have my routines. Before the match, it is very difficult when you don’t know when you’re going to play. You have the third match but if some injury happens there, you are on court before. I had to practice at that time. So it was impossible for me to meet her at that moment.”

The Spaniard was pitted for a second round against the Dutch star, Robin Haase. Therefore, to avoid an early exit, he decided to stick to his regime.

Read more: ‘An Example in Front That Is Better Than You’ – Rafael Nadal Opens Up About the Impact of His Good Friend Roger Federer

As a result of his sacrifice, the 22 times Grand Slam champion reigned in the grass courts of London and marked the singles title of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships under his name.

What lies ahead of Nadal?

The French Open reigning champion will meet the Australian Nick Kyrgios in the semifinals of the Grand Slam of grass on Friday. He will lock horns with the Kyrgios for the 10th time and will hope to further his lead of 6-3 in head-to-head records. However, defeating the Aussie might become a tough feat for Nadal as his recent abdominal injury has a high chance of hindering his game.

Watch this story: Epic Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic encounters at the French Open

But if the 36-year-old who is famous for his endurance manages to outclass the former World no.13. He will meet either the defending champion Novak Djokovic or the home favourite Cameron Norrie in the finals. Both are at their peak forms in the ongoing Grand Slam.