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Nadal: It was a positive week


 

Originally published on: 22/04/13 00:00

Despite a 6-2 7-6(1) defeat to Novak Djokovic in the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters final, world No.5 Nadal remains upbeat about his form since returning from injury in early February.

“I think for me it was a positive week,” said Nadal, who had previously won 46 straight matches in Monaco. “That's the thing. [It] was a really positive week for me. I think I'm [going] in the right way. Five finals in a row. If you tell me that four months before, I will be crying for emotions, no?”

Nadal, who has won in Sao Paulo, Acapulco and Indian Wells this year, says that although he is happy with his play he is finding it more difficult to maintain the extremely high-levels of intensity against the top players that he was accustomed to pre-injury. 

“I need a little bit more physical performance,” said the Mallorcan. “That's the real thing, to play all points with the same intensity. I get tired more to play with that intensity, earlier than what I used to. 

"I had the chance to win the [second] set [against Djokovic]. But I get tired [at] 4-2 [up]. Then to win [the game at] 5-5, and have the break, [there] was a few very intense points. I get tired to play the 6-5. I didn't play with that intensity. When you start to have that feeling, it is tough.

“I need more matches to play with this intensity all the time. I need to be completely focused in every moment. That gives you the competition, gives you these special things, extra things, when you are playing against some players maybe you don't need [it] sometimes. But to play against Novak, to play against few players, you will need, and I need. I’m going to work on that.

“To win against players like Novak, if you are not at your 100% full, [it] is almost impossible.” 

Next up for Nadal is the ATP 500 event in Barcelona, where he has won seven times in the last eight years. The Spaniard received a bye in the first round and will face the winner of Carlos Berlocq and compatriot Daniel Gimeno-Traver in his opening match.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.