Following a washout Wednesday at the Italian Open, Rafael Nadal was among many players required to play two matches within 12 hours in Rome.
Facing the prospect of a potentially long day at the Foro Italico, the 11-time French Open champion reminded the tour why he has the nickname ‘king of clay.’ Downing both of his opponents with little difficulty. In his second round match, Nadal thrashed France’s Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1, before producing an almost identical victory over 14th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili (6-1, 6-0). In total, the Spaniard was on court for a total of two hours and nine minutes.
“It has been a very positive day for me. Of course, a day playing two matches is very dangerous.” Nadal reflected. “I was able to manage it well. I played well, especially I think in the afternoon better than the morning.”
With two clinical victories over top 50 opposition, Nadal believes things are going in the right direction for him ahead of Roland Garros. The European clay swing is crucial for the world No.2, who is defending more points than any other player this year on the dirt. This week alone, he is defending 1000 points after winning the tournament 12 months ago for the eighth time in his career.
“(The clay season) have been not perfect for me, but it is positive that I was in three semifinals in a row. Even if I was not able to manage to win those matches, my personal feeling has been improving during every single day.” He said.
“Here I am (in Rome), quarter-finals again tomorrow against a great player that he played two great matches today. Will be plenty of confidence.”
Awaiting Nadal in the last eight will be compatriot Fernando Verdasco. Somebody who stunned a bemused Dominic Thiem before knocking Karen Khachanov out of the tournament. It is the first time Verdasco has reached the quarter-finals of a Masters event since the 2017 Paris Open.
“He’s always tough. He is a great player. He’s a very dangerous player for everybody when he’s playing well. He’s having a great tennis career.” The Spaniard commented about Verdasco.
‘We can’t keep talking about this’
Unlike previous years, Nadal finds himself in a somewhat unfamiliar situation. Five months into the season and he is yet to win a trophy on the clay. A rare occurrence for somebody who has won more titles on the surface than any other player in the Open Era. In recent months, Nadal has been hindered by physical issues with the latest being his knee.
In light of the title drought comes the inevitable question. When will he return back to winning ways?
“I am just trying my best every day. We cannot be talking every week about this.” Nadal insisted. “In Madrid it was the same question. A few days ago: ‘The first time you come here without winning a tournament. If I don’t win here, in Roland Garros will be the same’” – If I don’t win in Roland Garros, the next tournament will be the same.”
Instead of fixing on silverware, Nadal has said he is more concerned about something else – his health. An unsurprising revelation from a player who has been sidelined by injury in recent months.
“The only thing that worries me is being happy and try to be healthy. If I am healthy, I have more chances to be happy.” Nadal explained.
“You win, you lose. I always try to accept both things with calm, normality. That’s it. I am going to try my best to be ready for tomorrow and give myself a chance to play one good event here. When I finish here, I’m going to try to try my best in Roland Garros.’
“If my chances are a little bit less in Roland Garros than usual because I didn’t win a tournament we will see.”
Nadal has only progressed beyond the quarter-finals in one of his past four appearances in Rome.
