Passion keeps me going, says Nadal
ABU DHABI — Even as the pain becomes unbearable, it is his passion for the game of tennis, which makes Rafael Nadal wake up every morning and take the racquet in his hand.
“You get tired because of injury and pain. But every day you return home and put everything on the balance. It’s always the positive things, which are heavier than the negative things. In the morning, you wake up with the passion for the game, improvement and that’s the only way I am able to find a way to get back to the level I want to be. I am always motivated and feel passion for the game. Even if I am coming back from injury, I give my 100 per cent. I work hard and get ready for what’s coming,” World No. 2 Nadal said reflecting on a season in which he failed to make a mark at the US Open and Australian Open, and others like Mexican Open, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open.
“I played nine events in the whole season and retired in two Grand Slams. I had a good year on the court but it has been tough in terms of injuries. So finishing the season as second ranked is amazing,” the Spaniard said before heading into Mubadala World Tennis Championship match on Friday.
Nadal is happy to be back on Abu Dhabi court and looking forward to a ‘healthy’ season. And at 32 years, he is treading carefully.
“I am coming back from a surgery. I am happy with the improvements. I need to take care of my body. I have to take step by step. I don’t have to ask myself big things in the beginning. I have to be positive with every improvement. I am looking forward to a healthy season. I am excited to be back in the court and Abu Dhabi.”
When asked about the possibility of meeting World No. 1 and rival Novak Djokovic here in Abu Dhabi and how he looks to such an encounter, Nadal said: “This is just the start of the season. What happens here will not make an impact in future matches. Novak has had an amazing season. It is good to have challenges like this.”
Nadal isn’t sure about how the fifth set tie-break rule will work out.
“Let’s see. I personally don’t know if I like or dislike it.”
Nadal and Djokovic have received byes and will be in action on day two against the winners from the day one. Nadal will play at 5pm and Djovokic by 7pm at the International Tennis Complex in Zayed Sports City.