Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros in October 2021. – CHRISTOPHE SAIDI / SIPA
Sometimes Rafael Nadal arrives at the start of the season on clay with his body sticking all over the place. This does not prevent it, despite small hiccups here and there, to put down the competition in large widths. So this year, we are worried about those who hoped to win a few tournaments on the preferred surface of the Manacor bull. Because Rafa, who we had left suffering from the back in February in Australia, has worked like a little crazy in recent weeks and now says he is on top.
A very high profile in Monaco
“I feel good,” said the world number 3 at the outset at a press conference before the Monte-Carlo tournament. It’s an important part of the season for me that begins. I think I did a good job getting ready. I’m happy with the way I’m playing and my body is doing well right now. “Exempted from the first round, the Spaniard must start the tournament (which he has already won eleven times) Wednesday against Adrian Mannarino (35th) or a qualifier.
Nadal will still be the big favorite at Roland-Garros at the end of May, where he will aim for a 14th coronation in June, to become the sole holder of the record for victories in Grand Slam tournaments (21). A prospect that makes him salivate, of course. But before that, he will take the time to properly adjust the machine. Everything seems in place, anyway. “Honestly, I am confident. I think I’m playing well, I’ve trained well, with good intensity and a good workload, so I feel ready, ”he added.
Good for him, because to add a twelfth victory in Monaco to his record, the Spaniard will have a lot to do. The picture is particularly high this year, with the presence of Djokovic, Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Rublev or Sinner. Enough to warm up after these long weeks without competition.
“It’s true that I haven’t played a lot, but in the past I’ve had good results even without playing a lot. So my mindset remains the same: try to be ready for Wednesday and move forward one day at a time. I hope to stay in shape physically, that’s the main thing, says the one who will turn 35 at the beginning of June. And if I get there in the next month and a half, I think I have a chance to play at a high level. Its competitors do not doubt it.