Spain’s Rafael Nadal has previously won tournaments without playing many matches prior and he is confident of repeating this heading into his beloved clay swing.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion is set to return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters where he is seeking to win the title for a record 12th time. It will be the first time the 34-year-old has played a competitive match on the Tour since his quarter-final loss at the Australian Open on February 17th. Since then, he has been sidelined from action due to a back problem that has been troubling him since the start of the season.
“I am confident. I am playing well I think. I’ve been practicing well these (past) couple of days in Monte-Carlo before the tournament started. So I feel ready,” Nadal told reporters on Sunday.
“It’s true that I haven’t played much. At the same time it is true that I have had good success in the past without playing matches (prior). My mindset is the same as always. Just try to be ready for Wednesday.”
In total the world No.3 has played just five matches heading into the Masters tournament. This is the smallest amount he has played within a season heading into Monte Carlo in his entire career. In Melbourne, which is the only tournament he has played this year so far, his biggest scalp was over Fabio Fognini who was ranked 17th at the time.
However, Nadal is a player who can never be ruled out on the clay whatever the circumstance given his resume. He has won more titles on the surface than any other player in the Open Era. Last year he dismantled Novak Djokovic in straight sets to win his 13th French Open, which took place later than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Arriving is an important part of the season for me. I think I have done the right work to be ready. So let’s see,” he said.
“For the moment my body is in good shape. I am excited about playing in Monaco again, Monte-Carlo. As everybody knows, it is one of my favourite tournaments without a doubt. I love being here.”
Of course, there will be one notable absence from Monte Carlo – the crowd. Like various other tournaments around the world the event is taking place behind closed doors due to the pandemic. Its show court, Court Rainier III, has a capacity of 10,200.
“We’re going to miss the crowd, the normal tournament,” Nadal admits. “I am happy that we are still able to play. Being here is always good news for me. I hope to be ready to give my best.”
‘I want the best for Toni’
Recently there was a big announcement about another member of the Nadal family, who are based in the Spanish island of Mallorca. Uncle Toni, who is a former long-time coach of Nadal and was the person who introduced him to the sport, is making a return to the Tour. Although this time will be overseeing the development of Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“I am happy for him. Happy for at the same time the (Rafa Nadal) academy has somebody with such a great player like Felix is a positive thing. Toni has a lot of experience. He knows a lot about this sport. He has all the knowledge that somebody needs. I am sure that’s going to be an important help for Felix,” Nadal commented.
Toni serves as the head of his nephew’s academy. It is not believed his new collaboration will have an impact on his current role with the facility. As for Nadal, he sees the new development as a win-win who insists that his uncle doesn’t need to consult with him about his plans.
“He doesn’t have to ask me anything. He’s my uncle. I am very grateful for all the things that he did for me. I am happy that he’s on the tour for a couple of weeks,” he commented.
“At the same time I am happy for Felix. I mean, it is going to be a good support, having a great coach like Toni next to him.’
“I am happy to see my uncle here and spend time with him here on the tour again. That’s a positive thing.”
Granted a bye in the first round, Nadal will start his Monte Carlo campaign against either Adrian Mannarino or qualifier Federico Delbonis.
