After a tough five-set loss to eventual champion Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal needed to unwind. His perfect getaway? The Balearic Islands off the coast of Span in the Mediterrean sea.

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The world No. 1 resides on one of the islands, Mallorca, where his academy is also based. He's a big fan of yachting, and often escapes to the ocean when he has a chance for a break between tournaments.

"As many of you know, what I like most about Spain are the beaches," he said. "They are the best in the world."

Nadal will reset for the U.S. hard-court swing, which culminates at the US Open where he's the defending champion. Though disappointed with his 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 10-8 loss last week, Nadal was still in relatively good spirits leaving the All England Club.

"Played great. Semifinals, after a while without being there. Winning some great matches, especially in that quarterfinals against [Juan Martin] Del Potro," Nadal said. "I felt, of course, that I lost an opportunity to try to win another very important title for my career. But that's it. No, nothing else.

"I go for holidays proud of the things that I'm doing, no?"

Yes.

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WATCH: Nadal
vacations in the
Balearic Islands

WATCH: Nadal vacations in the Balearic Islands

Strokes of Genius is a world-class documentary capturing the historic 13-year rivalry between tennis icons Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. It is timed for release as the anticipation crests with Roger as returning champion, 10 years after their famed 2008 Wimbledon championship – an epic match so close and so reflective of their competitive balance that, in the end, the true winner was the sport itself.

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