Nadal: Streak will come to an end

Originally published on: 16/04/13 00:00

The French Open champion arrives in Monte Carlo on a 14-match winning streak after three straight tournament wins in Buenos Aires, Acapulco and Indian Wells.

However, despite a run of 42 victories at the Monte Carlo Country Club, where he has not lost a match since 2003, Nadal insists he is not the favourite, merely a contender.

“I don't feel I am the biggest favourite to win the tournament this year,” Nadal said. “It's not easy to win this tournament. I will go day by day.

“It's not possible to win every year. Some day that's going to stop. I will try my best to make that happen, but that's life. Not everything is forever. But I am very excited to be here and have a high motivation to play well and put myself in position to have a good tournament. I am a candidate if I play my game.”

Nadal, who made his return to action in February following a seven-month layoff with knee problems, admits the return to the European clay is an emotional one.

“I am excited to play here and play this European clay-court season. It's one of the best parts of the year without a doubt,” Nadal said. “I really enjoy playing in all these tournaments. There are a lot of big emotions that happened in the past.

“But this year is probably more special because I had a really tough year. To be back and playing another time at these places is fantastic. I don't feel pressure that I've felt in years in the past, because I know all that happened, I cannot repeat all of this. But I'm going to try and be competitive and give [myself] chances to play well.”

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