MADRID: Embarking upon his 15th appearance at the Madrid Open, few will dispute Rafael Nadal’s power in Spanish tennis.
Fulfilling his press commitments ahead of his campaign at this year’s Madrid Open, the Spaniard was greeted by an army of journalists in a packed media room. It is a daunting prospect for some players, but it has become a routine for Nadal whenever he plays in his homeland.
“I always felt a special love (in Spain).” Said Nadal.”I am never tired of thanking everybody, thanking all the people here in Spain. I’m very well treated all around the world. Of course, I’m not treated anywhere like I am in Spain.”
Nadal’s rockstar status doesn’t mean that he is invincible from the perils of injury and illness. The latest woe for him in an ear problem that has resulted in dizzy spells. The problem, which Nadal has had since Friday, comes as he bids to claim a third consecutive title on the clay. The past month has already seen him triumph in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, where he claimed his 10th title in each.
“I am still practicing, but today was a little bit better than yesterday. It is still bothering me. It is something new for me.” He explained.
“It Is something that it really bothers a lot because it’s pain all around and in the head. Sometimes I get dizzy a little bit with that.”
“But it’s fine. I visited the doctor two days ago. It is nothing important.”
It is unsurprising that the nine-time French Open champion is reluctant to halt his commitment to the clay. At the age of 30, Nadal has experienced one of the best starts to the season in his entire career. Out of 34 matches played in 2017, he has been victorious in 29 of them.
The best yet?
One example of Nadal’s resurgence is illustrated with his faster second serve. According to the ATP, the Spaniard has a service rating of 287.8 over the past 52 weeks, his best score since 2013.
“Basically what I’m doing better or what I’ve been doing better for the last couple of months is that I’ve been playing way better than what I did in 2015. Last year I had an injury, but I was playing well, too.” Stated Nadal.
It isn’t just the second serve that has been improved. Nadal has praised his volley tacts at the net, saying that he is ‘playing much better.’
Nadal rises as others fall
A quarter of the renowned ‘big four’ group, Nadal’s triumph comes as his rivals struggle.Both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have come undone by a lack of consistency in recent weeks. In fact, both of them are currently outside the top-10 in the ATP race to London.
With Roland Garros swiftly approaching, now appears to be the perfect moment for Nadal to make his journey up the world rankings. The lull in his rivals form will not last forever and the 30-year-old knows that better than most.
“You always expect the best things from those kind of players.” Nadal responded to a question about Murray and Djokovic.
“As I said a couple of days ago, it’s not going to be what’s going to happen the rest of the season. They are two players that make a difference (on the tour).“
Djokovic enters Madrid without his usual support framework following his decision to dismiss three members of his coaching team. The shock move is an attempt to revive his lackluster form, but Nadal refuses to get caught up in the debate.
“No opinion. What he thinks is better for him, well done. That’s it. I think everybody’s free to do what feels is better for them in every moment.”
Set to resume his journey at the Caja Magica later this week, Nadal will play Italy’s Fabio Fognini in the second round.
