Rafael Nadal Ready To Play Wednesday In Barcelona

Written by: Staff on 23rd April 2013

Tennis Conde Godo Tournament in Barcelona

Rafael Nadal Ready To Play Wednesday In Barcelona

epa03673089 Spanish player Rafael Nadal returns the ball during a training session for the 61th Conde Godo Tournament in Barcelona, northeastern Spain, 22 April 2013. The tournament started on 22 April and runs until 28 April. Conde Godo is one of the ATP 500 tournaments which distributes a prize money worth 2,166,875 euros in total. EPA/TONI ALBIR |

Rafael Nadal turns the page to the Barcelona Open as the Spaniard looks to the home clay to ease the pain of a weekend loss in Monte Carlo. A day after his defeat in the final in the principality to Novak Djokovic in straight sets, Nadal was focusing on his duties at the Real Club de Tenis, where he makes his second-round start on Wednesday.

Nadal has won seven of the last eight editions in the Catalan capital. He did well to hide his disappointment after going down to Djokovic, which ended his bid for an historic ninth straight title at the venue and 46 consecutive wins.

While one golden run may have finished another possibly awaits as Nadal bids for more success at home. “I think I’m in the right way, five finals in a row,” said the No. 5, absent for seven months in 2012-13 with knee injuries. “If you told me that four months before, I would be crying with emotion.

“I’m just very happy to be able to play against the best players of the world another time, and play with real chances. That’s very, very important for me, it’s fantastic.”

Nadal has won four of the last five Barcelona editions, skipping 2010 with injury. He has also beaten this year’s top seed David Ferrer in three of those trophy encounters. Ferrer, who missed Monte Carlo with a thigh problem, will be seeded ahead of his celebrated countryman for the first time and will surely hope to make the most of the situation.

“Hopefully I can play another great week in Barcelona, play some matches that will keep helping to put me in the 100 per cent condition physically,” said Nadal.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Barcelona Open, Mpnte Carlo Masters, Rafael Nadal, Spanish tennis news, Sports, Tennis News