Modest Nadal Does Not Consider Himself The Favorite In Monte Carlo

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 16th April 2013

Modest Nadal Does Not Consider Himself The Favorite In Monte Carlo

epa03625014 Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 14 March 2013. EPA/PAUL BUCK |

Rafael Nadal says he can’t label himself the favorite for a ninth straight title at the Monte Carlo Masters, with the competition consistently fierce on court as the pre-Roland Garros season begins for real.

With a winning streak at the Mediterranean venue stretching back 42 matches – his last loss here came in 2003 to Argentine Guillermo Coria – there is overwhelming evidence in the pack for his chances of setting another clay record.

“I cannot say I’m the biggest favorite to win here again. This is not an easy event to win. I don’t want to lose perspective, but I don’t want to lose either. I want to focus on the tennis day by day,” said the 11-time Grand Slam winner. “I don’t want to talk knees, if I’m here I’m here to compete.

“I will try my best and hope to play better each day. I had a fantastic comeback (two February clay titles in Latin America before Indian Wells).

Nadal also takes no notice of his ranking, standing fifth behind Novak Djokvic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and David Ferrer. “You can’t be in the top four if you did not play for seven months. I’ve always gone day by day and just want to try and keep improving. I’m always excited to be back here and have the chance to work hard and try to win. Now my job is to try and play well.” he said.

Whether he bags a ninth title or loses trying, Nadal is not stressing over the outcome of his opening week on clay in the French Open run-up. “Everything in life finishes sometime. Someday the winning will stop. Not everything is forever. But I’m excited to be here, it is always a high motivation for me to play Monte Carlo.”