World No.1 Rafael Nadal is confident that he will be fit in time to play at the Mexican Open later this month as he reveals his future scheduling plans.
The 10-time French Open champion hasn’t played on the tour since suffering an injury at the Australian Open. Taking on Marin Cilic in the quarterfinals, Nadal was forced to retire in the fifth set due to a thigh injury. It was the only the second time he had retired from a grand slam match in his career.
Providing an update on his injury at a Spanish awards gala, Nadal believes he is on course to play in the Mexican tournament, which will get underway at the end of the month. A two time champion in Alcapulco, he finished runner-up to Sam Querrey last year.
“It’s a small injury that needs time and rest and recovery, and that’s what we’re doing,” Nadal told Mundo Deportivo.
“For the moment my schedule is the same and I think I’ll be able to travel to Mexico to play at Acapulco.”
Nadal’s comments occurred on a night when he was recognized for his achievements in the sport. At the 70th annual Mundo Deportivo Grand Gala, he was named sportsman of the year. It is the fourth time that the 31-year-old has been given the honour since 2007. This year he beat off competition from Marc Márquez (motoGP), Toni Bou (motorcycle trials rider), Lucas Eguibar (snowboarding) and Sergio García (golf) to win.
“I am very happy and grateful to Mundo Deportivo for having thought of me for the prize,” said Nadal. “The truth is that this place is special and very beautiful and ideal to celebrate a night of sports.
“I’ve been winning and not winning, but someone has to win.”
Last year, Nadal enjoyed a successful season where he returned to world No.1 for the first time since 2014. During that same year, he won two grand slam titles at the French and US Open. Extending his tally to 16, four behind Roger Federer’s all-time record of 20.
Holding on to the top spot by just 155 points, the Spaniard has hinted that he could follow in the footsteps of Federer with a more streamlined schedule. Shortly after his Australian Open retirement, Nadal criticised the ATP. Arguing that the calendar need to be changed in order to reduce the number of players getting injured.
“I’m not 20 years old, I do not have all the energy I had 12 or 13 years ago and that’s why I’m going to play what I think we have to play.” He explained.
“I think things are going well for a good season.”
During 2017, Nadal played 53 matches in 14 tournaments.
