Rafael Nadal plans to take a small break following his quarterfinal loss to Dominic Thiem in Rome, and then start practicing for the French Open.
It was Nadal's first defeat on clay this season. Before that, the Spaniard had won 17 straight matches and taken the titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid.
"It’s not easy, no, playing every day for the last four weeks," he told press at Rome. "I’ve been playing a lot. It’s difficult, every day. Madrid, then Rome back-to-back, after Barcelona."
The world No. 4 plans to return home to Mallorca and take a few days off before he starts training for the French Open.
"Tomorrow, I’ll be in Mallorca fishing or playing golf, or another thing. I’m going to rest a little bit; I think I deserve it," he said.
Nadal, who played Thiem for a third straight event, said his opponent played at a very high level, even if he had not played his best. He added that he will be looking to return to top form before Paris.
"I hope to play my best tennis in Roland Garros," he said.
Nadal is a nine-time French Open champion.
