Nadal still unsure of full fitness

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:40

Rafael Nadal came through his first singles match since the French Open in Montreal on Wednesday but was understandably cautious about his overall fitness in the press room afterwards.

It’s hard to move well for me and to feel confident – Nadal

In truth, the world No.2 was never tested as his second round opponent, fellow Spaniard David Ferrer, retired from the contest midway through the first set after just 36 minutes on court.

Ferrer arrived on court with his left knee taped and was visited by the trainer twice before calling it a day with Nadal up 4-3 in the opening set.

“I must be happy, because I didn’t play terrible,” said Nadal, the second seed at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Montreal.

“In the next round, I have another chance to continue to improve. Every match, every game is important to feel better for me. My knees felt OK, but I need more days to have real test.

“It’s tough to have to go out and have to leave the court, I’m sorry for David,” said the winner. As for me, it was nice have a victory like this.

“I’m here to improve every day, to enjoy every game, every point. It’s hard to move well for me and to feel confident when you are touching the ball. But that’s a normal thing.”

The six-time Grand Slam champion will go on to play German Philipp Petzschner on Thursday for a place in the last eight.

“Philipp is a very strong player and I will have to play well to beat him, Nadal added. But I’m here to do that this week.”

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