Madrid - Defending champion Rafael Nadal dropped a hint that he will do his all to get past a knee injury and play at Wimbledon as he said he hopes to play a tune-up exhibition match later this week.

"I've kindly been invited to play the traditional exhibition at the Hurlingham Club on Friday," read an announcement on his website.

"It would be a good test for me to play there to see how the knee is doing, and it would provide the perfect setting to get some practise before Wimbledon."

Meanwhile coach and uncle Toni Nadal told Spanish media that the number one has possibly lost some confidence due to his right knee tendinitis and his quarter-final loss at Roland Garros to Robin Soderling.

The senior Nadal told Spain's El Mundo that his nephew is not quite the potent force who won four straight French Open titles.

"I think he has less chance than before. When you lose, you are less confident. Going into a tournament after a series of victories is a lot better because you are more at ease, you have more confidence.

"Now everything seems more difficult."

Nadal is due in London Tuesday from Spain where he has been receiving treatment.(dpa)