Rafael Nadal left Madrid feeling better about his fitness than he did when he arrived, and is now planning to play in Rome while continuing his preparations for the French Open.
Nadal lost in straight sets to the 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka
in the fourth round at Madrid on Tuesday. But the Spaniard was feeling good
about his progress following his latest injury layoff.
Nadal called it a “positive week” in every way, and said his
body held up well.
“I was able to play four matches, a couple of tough
matches,” Nadal said. “So very positive, winning three matches, playing four
matches at the high level of tennis. I enjoyed a lot playing at home. I leave
here with very positive energy.”
Nadal arrived in Madrid pessimistic about his physical
condition, and he wasn’t even sure if he would be able to play. He said he only
did it because it was an emotional tournament for him.
The 37-year-old Nadal is playing in his final year on tour.
He had already bid farewell to Barcelona, where he lost in the second round.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion hadn’t played a tournament since Brisbane in
January.
“Today is unforgettable day in terms of saying ‘goodbye,
Madrid,’” he said. “But my career keeps going, and I have my personal goals
that I have got in the next couple of weeks, and I want to explore if I have
any chance to achieve that.”
Nadal said Rome, where he won 10 titles and where the
tournament starts May 8, was also emotional for him.
“That’s another very special tournament in my career,” he
said. “I dreamed to play all these tournaments that I had success one more
time. I missed Monte Carlo unfortunately, that is one of the most special for
me, but Rome is one of these ones that I enjoyed a lot playing there.”
In Madrid, Nadal defeated American teenager Darwin Blanch in
the first round and 11th-ranked Alex de Minaur in the second, both
in straight sets. He needed three sets to edge Pedro Cachin in the third round.
“I want to play well there (in Rome). I want to be
competitive,” he said. “I want to give myself a chance to play good tennis, and
I’m gonna keep working hard to try to make that happen.”
Playing at the French Open, which begins May 26, is one of
Nadal’s main goals during his farewell season. He has won the title at Roland
Garros a record 14 times. AP