MADRID: Concerns over the current health of Rafael Nadal appears to be over after he produced an emphatic performance during his quarter-final match at the Madrid Open.
Earlier this week, the Spaniard revealed that he has been hit with a stomach virus. The latest setback during what has been a turbulent season marred by injury. On top of that, the Spaniard is yet to win a title five months into the season. A rare occurrence in the career of the 11-time French Open champion.
“I had that issue with my stomach and that was not expected, so overall I didn’t have the control of the security what could happen this week,” Nadal explained during his press conference.
“Afterwards we had to see on the court, see what happened because sometimes things don’t click or don’t change from one day to the other, even though you can have better feelings during your training.”
Nevertheless, those issues were nowhere to be seen during his clash with three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka. Nadal dominated their late-night match from the onset as he scored a 6-1, 6-2, win in just 69 minutes. Producing only six unforced errors and dropping seven points behind his serve.
“I was expecting this kind of match and besides what he has managed to do or not, I think from my side, I have managed to go a step forward.” He said.
“I come from a complicated month with a lot of physical struggles. And the fact to be able to compete every single week I have been competing is a step forward for me. From then onwards, I think I have been able to consolidate a good base and try to give a little bit of base and energy.”
The ongoing resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed by his rivals. Wawrinka, who now trails Nadal 3-18 in their head-to-head, praised him following their match. The Swiss player looked set to pose a threat based on his performance earlier in the week. Winning three straight-set matches without dropping serve once.
“Today was not my best performance,” Wawrinka told Ubitennis. “I think he played really well. Playing between not really attacking and not really defending. Against him, I had no chance when he is playing like that and I’m not playing my full game.”
It remains to be seen if Nadal’s latest win is the start of his return to dominating once again on the clay. Recent doubts have been cast on his abilities due to his recent physical problems. However, Wawrinka believes he shouldn’t have been written off in the first place. Citing his record on the surface.
“Yesterday I watched him play. You have to see for sure because he didn’t win Monaco or Barcelona. People say that he is not playing that well, but they still have to beat him.” He said.
“We have to see how he is going to finish the clay season.”
Wawrinka will now fly to Italy to play in the Rome Masters. The draw has already taken place with him opening up against David Goffin, followed by Juan Martin del Potro in the next round.
“In general, I am happy. It was a great week and I played some good matches. Today I wasn’t really there, but it’s not a big problem. I’m very happy with where I am right now and I will focus on my next event.” He concluded.
As for Nadal, he has a date with Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals of the tournament on Saturday. The 20-year-old Greek has knocked defending champion Alexander Zverev out of the tournament.
“It is a good test for me. I’m facing some of the best players. He has a lot of confidence. He’s been playing well recently and it is an opportunity to test my level and to confirm those good feelings that I have had today on the court.” Nadal previewed.
“You need tough matches to be able to measure yourself, to be able to test yourself, to compete and to fight for every single point and to keep on finding the things that I might need.”
Nadal leads Tsitsipas 3-0 in their head-to-head.
