Rafael Nadal makes Madrid Open injury admission ahead of Diego Schwartzman clash
RAFAEL NADAL has explained that being rid of his injury problem has helped him to become more confident on court.
Rafael Nadal: The crowd help me to win
Nadal beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-1 yesterday in the Madrid Open second round to extending his consecutive set wins on clay to 48.
The world No 1 can now overtake John McEnroe’s all-time record of 49 consecutive set wins when he faces Diego Schwartzman this evening.
However, Nadal insists he is only focussed on staying fit as he has only recently recovered from a hip injury which ruled him out of the first three months of the year.
The 31-year-old was home-bound for the duration of his recovery but he has made a storming return to action.
Rafael Nadal is now fully recovered from his hip problem
What I am most pleased with is I am recovered from my injury
“What I am most pleased with is I am recovered from my injury,” Nadal said.
“That makes me feel strong and [I] go on court with confidence [knowing] that I can [compete in] tough matches.
“That's important for me especially on this surface.
“I [have done] a lot of things well since I came back.
Nadal beat Gael Monfils in straight sets yesterday
“I play with the right intensity, the right focus all the time.
“My backhand is working great. The forehand working well, too, as always, more or less. But the backhand is a shot that is working well.”
Since coming back from injury Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open.
He has also helped Spain through to the Davis Cup semi-finals.