Nadal: "I am far from aspiring to important things"

SPORTS / By Carmen Gomaro

Showing his usual cautious and temperate demeanor, Rafael Nadal refrained from making exaggerated statements about his victory against Alex de Miñaur. Instead, he emphasized the value of being able to play and compete, especially considering his recent injury concerns. Speaking to the media after the match, Nadal expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the fans, describing it as both beautiful and exciting. He acknowledged that playing in front of a home crowd held special significance for him, and that the current victory was particularly unforgettable.

Moving on to analyzing the match, Nadal urged against getting carried away by the emotions of a single game. He acknowledged that there were still areas for improvement, emphasizing the need to adjust certain aspects of his game. While he felt competitive during the match, he also acknowledged that there were still limitations due to his recovery process. Nadal highlighted his desire to play the ball more tactically and add more power to his shots. He remained focused on the priority of not encountering any setbacks in the remainder of the tournament.

Regaining confidence is crucial for Nadal, who sees his perspectives and goals shaped by his day-to-day progress. Celebrating his return after a two-week absence from the game, he expressed the importance of building confidence in his body and tennis abilities. With less than a month until Roland Garros, the Grand Slam tournament that holds special significance for Nadal, he acknowledged that his decision to participate would depend on his ability to aspire to something significant. He expressed that the Parisian tournament holds a special place in his heart and that he would only compete if he genuinely believes his body can meet the demands of the best-of-five-set matches. Otherwise, he sees no sense in participating.