Rafael Nadal like many other tennis players loves the overall conditions in Indian Wells. The Spanish legend has won the title in the desert three times (2007, 2009, and 2013) and he was the runner-up 2011; Rafa is looking forward to winning his 4th.

Unfortunately, the King of Clay had to battle with a mild sickness for a couple of days in California before resuming his training.  This complicated a bit his preparation; Rafa commented

“I was a little bit sick two days so that I couldn’t practice for two days. I started practicing yesterday for the first time. But is obvious that when you get sick, you lose a little bit of the power for a couple of days. So, I hope to recover myself good and feel myself ready to compete at the highest level possible.”

Even if Nadal is in the famous “group of death,” he said he wants to be focussed only on the first match (for the beginning) then “If the things go well, we will have time to talk about the draw.”

Rafa will play the world no.145 Guido Pella in the opener. That shouldn’t be complicated for the Spaniard.

THE GROUP OF DEATH