‘Confident’ Rafael Nadal gives fitness update as he sets sights on ‘important part of the season’

He has spent nearly two months on the sidelines due to injury, but Rafael Nadal has declared that his “body is in good shape” ahead of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner started the 2021 season under an injury cloud as he missed the ATP Cup because of a back problem, but then played at the Australian Open.
After losing in the quarter-final at Melbourne Park, he took some time out as he skipped the Qatar Open and last week’s Miami Open to prepare for the clay-court season.
And his red dirt campaign will officially get underway at the Masters 1000 event in the Principality this week.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal kept apart in draw for Monte Carlo Masters
“An important part of the season has arrived for me,” Nadal said.
“I think I did the right work to be ready. I’m happy the way that I am playing, for the moment my body is in good shape.
“I am confident. I am playing well I think. I’m practising well these couple of days here in Monaco, in Monte-Carlo, before the tournament start. So I feel ready.”
Nadal, who has a 71-5 record in Monaco, is chasing a 12th Monte-Carlo Masters trophy while he will also be gunning for titles in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome before the clay season draws to a conclusion at Roland Garros, where he will be targeting a record-extending 13th title.
“I’m just going step by step,” he said.
“I hope to be ready to stay healthy, that’s the main thing. If I am able to stay healthy for the next month and a half, I hope to have my chances to compete at the right level.”
The Spaniard added: “I love to play on clay, but I love to be here, [and at] Barcelona, Madrid, Rome [and] Roland Garros. I love these events… I will have the chance to play in places that I know very well, places that I have a great story with [at] every single event. For me, that’s important. [I am] just happy to enjoy another experience, another opportunity for me to compete in these historic places of our sport.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day one: Andy Murray digs deep and Emma Raducanu thrills on Centre Court
Two brief suspensions due to rain failed to dampen spirits on day one at the All England Club.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray hoping for more matches on Centre Court after first round win
Wimbledon is willing on another Andy Murray run.
-
Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz admits he has to improve after first round struggle
Carlos Alcaraz claims he needs to find his level on grass.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic clearly rusty but still the Wimbledon favourite – Robson
Novak Djokovic looks at home on Centre Court.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu ‘happy to stay another day’ at Wimbledon as she eases past Alison Van Uytvanck
Emma Raducanu up and running at Wimbledon 2022.
-
News
Novak Djokovic claims Wimbledon win No 80 and declares that ‘the love and flame for tennis still burns for me’
The six-time champion battled past Kwon Soon-woo in four sets.
-
News
The saint of Wimbledon: Jodie Burrage nurses ball boy during first-round defeat
Burrage passed out Percy Pigs to the youngster at SW19.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon: Nerveless Cameron Norrie books spot in second round
Norrie clinched a 6-0 7-6 (3) 6-3 victory on Court Two to become the first home winner of the tournament.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Stefanos Tsitsipas back into top five thanks to first title on grass
The ATP Rankings are set to be shaken up in the next fortnight.
-
Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz backs himself to upstage the icons at Wimbledon
Carlos Alacaraz believes he can hang with the best but has to get past Jan-Lennard Struff first.