‘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
-
ATP TourRed-hot Cameron Norrie sees off Marton Fucsovics in Austria to set up clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime
The British number one claimed his seventh consecutive win.
-
WTA TourPreview: Emma Raducanu back in action as she headlines the Transylvania Open
The WTA Tour rumbles on in Romania as Emma Raducanu looks to return to winning ways.
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu’s Best Moments On and Off The Court: From Wimbledon to the US Open, Met Gala and James Bond premiere
A pictorial of Emma Raducanu’s whirlwind few months.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray on playing in the Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic era: ‘I feel lucky to have played against them’
“They allowed me to improve by setting the bar so high.”
-
Tennis News‘I believe it will [get crazier] for Serena,’ says auctioneer after signed Serena Williams rookie card sets record
“Serena will be included in those products long after she’s retired.”
-
Tennis News‘I still struggle, but I am super confident next year will be better,’ says Simona Halep
“I still love the sport and love being on the court,” says Simona Halep.
-
Australian OpenVictoria premier sticks to his guns over double-vaxxed stance for Australian Open as he criticises double standards
Victoria Premier Dan Andrews refuses to change his mind.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray highlights key reason for his ability to chase more balls down after upset win over Hubert Hurkacz
“It was a good win in tough circumstances,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP TourAndy Murray finally delivers a knockout punch against a top-10 player as he beats Hubert Hurkacz in Vienna
The pieces continue to fall into place for Andy Murray as he finally gets a win over a top-10 player.
-
WTA Tour‘I don’t think there is any pressure, but everyone should be a little patient with me,’ urges Emma Raducanu
The US Open winner is seeking her first WTA Tour match victory.