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. (More Tennis News)
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 바카라positive week바카라 in every way, and said his body held up well.
바카라I was able to play four matches, a couple of tough matches,바카라 Nadal said. 바카라So 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.바카라
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.
바카라Today is unforgettable day in terms of saying goodbye, Madrid,'바카라 he said. 바카라But 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.바카라
Nadal said Rome, where he won 10 titles and where the tournament starts May 8, was also emotional for him.
바카라That's another very special tournament in my career,바카라 he said. 바카라I 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.바카라
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.
바카라I want to play well there (in Rome). I want to be competitive,바카라 he said. 바카라I want to give myself a chance to play good tennis, and I'm gonna keep working hard to try to make that happen.바카라
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.
