Rafael Nadal hoping to dispel doubts at Madrid Masters
Spaniard, recovering from a back injury, seeks his first title on European clay this season
World number one Rafael Nadal heads into the Madrid Masters this week in the unusual position of searching for his first title on the European clay this season.
The 13-time grand slam champion has dominated on the surface throughout his career, including an incredible stretch last season, which included wins in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and finally an eighth French Open title at Roland Garros.
However, Nadal has so far struggled this year to bounce back from a back injury that hampered him in losing the Australian Open final to Stanislas Wawrinka in January.
Spain is my country and every time I play in any tournament here it is something special. The crowd always make a big difference here
His slump has included surprise defeats to compatriots David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro at the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open, respectively, in recent weeks.
Yet, he hopes home advantage will help recapture his best form and a fourth title in Madrid.
"Spain is my country and every time I play in any tournament here it is something special. The crowd always make a big difference here," said Nadal.
But he could be dethroned at the top of the world rankings by Novak Djokovic this week should he fail to reach the quarter-finals and the Serb goes onto to win for the second time in Madrid.
Djokovic has also had problems recently due to a right wrist injury. The world number two admitted after losing to Roger Federer in the semi-finals in Monte Carlo that he expected not "to play tennis for some time".