Nadal rescues the positive: “I maintain hope that things will get better” | ATP Tour

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Nadal rescues the positive: “I maintain hope that things will get better”

The Spaniard tells his feelings after beating De Minaur

April 27, 2024

By ATPTour.com/es Staff

Rafael Nadal smiles at the Mutua Madrid Open, and that is not a small thing, although it sounds redundant.

It happens that the five-time champion from Madrid is making the most of his last participation of his career in the Caja Mágica. However, after the victory against Minaur, Nadal was quick to deny that the ‘old Rafa’ had returned, but he was happy to advance at home.

“No, not yet. It needs time,” he said, laughing. “Let’s not get carried away by the emotion of a game, many things have to be adjusted. “I have to be careful, the priority is still not to hurt myself,” said Nadal, shortly after leaving the court, always cautious and trying to see the complete photo.

The former world No. 1 offered a recital of baseline winners and fist pumps with his unique stamp, repeatedly wowing an audience that included King Felipe VI and soccer stars Zinedine Zidane and Vinicius Jr , among others. “I think at times it has been a good level of tennis. I have been able to do positive things, but still with ups and downs,” he said. “The last three days have been a little better for me but we have to see how I recover after the match in today, but I always maintain hope that things will get better,” he defined.

Where do those “flaws” that Nadal still sees reside? “In having more powerful support that I am still lacking… and at least having the option to explore what may happen for me in the coming weeks,” he said and concluded: “My perspectives are going to be determined by my day to day life and now I have the chance to play a new game… and I earned the chance to continue testing myself.”

Meanwhile, Nadal will face the Argentine Pedro Cachin looking to extend his good feelings from this Saturday, but his focus will be on himself, regardless of who the rival on the other side of the net is.

“At least now I have been on the circuit for two and a half weeks, training with good people and that is also helping you, but I need to play with tactics because I cannot move the ball with speed as I would like, to have a little more time and to That’s what I have to play long and high,” he predicted.