Madrid master Nadal sends message he's back to lethal best
Spaniard making his 10th straight Rome appearance, winning a record seven titles from eight finals for 41-2 career record at Foro Italico
Rafael Nadal will continue his Roland Garros preparations with a final major tune-up at the Rome Masters, an event where he has been champion in four of the last five years.
The Spanish world number one proved that his game is heading back to its lethal best as won the Madrid title when Japan’s Kei Nishikori quit trailing 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 with back pain on Sunday.
After surprise quarter-final defeats on his favoured clay this spring in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal will be pleased to travel to Italy as a winner.
I’m feeling better and better physically, better than a year ago. This is the most important thing. I still feel fortunate for doing what I’m doing
He comes to the Foro Italico with a yearning to make more history by claiming a ninth trophy at the French Open starting on May 25.
Nadal begins play in Rome against either Frenchman Gilles Simon or Italian Filippo Volandri.
Nadal did himself a favour with his Madrid success, ensuring that he will hang onto the top ranking for another week heading into Paris. The Spaniard will begin his 32nd week in a row at number one and 134th overall.
He is making his 10th straight Rome appearance, winning a record seven titles from eight finals for a 41-2 career record at the venue.
He is also more optimistic about his chances over the rest of the season.