Rafael Nadal says he is fit and healthy as he begins his campaign on the clay courts of Monte Carlo, the first stop on the road to Roland Garros.
The Spaniard is looking to secure the Emirate’s twelfth Masters title ahead of his quest for the fourteenth success at Roland Garros and a record in Grand Slam tournaments.
“A significant part of the season has arrived for me,” he said at a press conference on Sunday.
“I think I did the right job to be ready. I’m happy with the way I play because my body is in good shape right now. ”
“I’m sure. I think I am playing well. I’m training really well these days here in Monaco, Monte Carlo, before the tournament starts. So I feel prepared. ”
Nadal entered the fight on Wednesday after failing to hit an angry ball since his Australian Open quarterfinal loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
He was held back by a poor appearance in Melbourne, and he has chosen to skip a championship series since then to ensure he is perfectly fit for the tough clay season.
“I’m just taking one step at a time,” said a relieved Nadal.
“I hope to be ready to stay healthy, that’s the main thing. If I can stay healthy for the next month and a half, I hope I have a chance to compete at the right level. ”
He is scheduled to meet Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo final which, if carried out, would likely be a dress rehearsal for the Roland Garros final.
Nadal won Roland Garros No.13, breaking Roger Federer’s record in 20 majors, beating Djokovic in the Parisian final in October.
Meanwhile, Djokovic also said he was “physically ready” and eager to return to Monte Carlo court.
Like Nadal, Djokovic has not played since the Australian Open where he was champion for the ninth time, reaching a Grand Slam tournament count at 18.
He managed to win despite a stomach injury.
“I feel physically ready,” the world number one said on Sunday.
“Mentally speaking, I’ve missed tennis for the past two months when I haven’t played any tournaments. So I can’t wait to play my first game. ”
It will be Wednesday in the second round against the teenage Italian prodigy Yannick Senner (world number 23) or the Spaniard Albert Ramos Vinolas, 47th.
“I trained a lot on clay. In fact, since I decided not to play in Miami, I hit balls on clay. ”
Djokovic was the champion in Monaco, where he also lives, in 2013 and 2015.
However, he hasn’t made it past the quarter-finals since his last year in which he won the title.
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