Rafael Nadal didn’t have a great clay court season so far, at least comparing to his incredible standards.
The Spaniard has failed to even reach the semis in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona (2 strongholds for him) and he won the title in Madrid after being absolutely over played by Nishikori, at least before the Japanese got injured. The King of Clay can still see some good in it.
Nadal: I played better in Madrid…
Even if Rafa is not 100% happy by his tennis he commented “I think in Madrid I played better than I had the two previous weeks. It’s true that wasn’t the case in the final, but the quarter-finals (against Tomas Berdych) and semi-finals (against Roberto Bautista Agut) were two good matches against two good, in-form players. It was good for my confidence.”
… and in Rome I have great feeling
Then he added “I’ve always had a great feeling here in Rome, since the first time I came in 2005. I remember that final was one of the best memories I’ve had on tour. I’ve had good success here, winning seven times, losing one final. I’ve played a lot of matches here, important ones for me career.” Winning 7 titles defenitely helps having great feelings…
The opener vs. Simon
Rafa will play the first match against a struggling Gilles Simon. Head to head is 5-1 for Nadal
