Nadal and the memory of the finals against Correa and Federer

Rafael Nadal He was optimistic on Wednesday about his condition and stressed that he is “happy” and that he is “enjoying” tennis and that the situation has changed a lot compared to last month, when he was unable to play in Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Rome respectively.

“I spent several days at home to rest after Madrid. I came to Rome and was able to train. I am excited to play here, where I live unforgettable moments.” It’s my third championship in a row and that’s good news. I have to continue to see it day by day, but I am happy with how I feel,” he told a press conference at Foro Italico.

The tennis player from Manacor fell in Madrid in the round of 16, although he reflected positively on his development these days and explained that he enjoys playing.

“It’s a good moment even though the results are not good. By the way, I enjoy playing. I’m happy with what I’m doing. When I talk about retiring, it’s not because I’m not happy playing anymore or because I don’t feel competitive enough, it’s that my body wasn’t able to play.” “For weeks on end, I wasn’t able to allow myself to train and enjoy training on a daily basis.”

Regarding his improvement, he said: “My development is not the same every day, even after Barcelona. I went through difficult moments in Madrid. Even here on day one.”

“But from a general perspective, the line is definitely upward. So yes, I am happy to be where I am today because a month ago it was almost impossible for me to think that I could play at Barcelona, ​​and then at Madrid.” “And now I am here in Rome,” he commented.

Nadal, the most successful player in Rome with 10 titles and one of the most beloved players among the Italian public, has wonderful memories of his first titles on Italian clay courts, when the best of 5 sets were played.

“The best memory is the first. The indelible moments are always the best of 5 moments and I miss playing Masters 1000 to 5. That’s why I have better memories of the finals against Korea and Federer“It is to explain.

He added, “It’s a great feeling. The crowd is very excited. This tournament is part of the history of our sport and I feel lucky to be playing here. I’m very excited.”

In addition, he spoke about the wave of injuries that left the tournament without Italian Jannik Sinner and without Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz: “Injuries have always been there. That is the truth. I understand that for you (the Italian) that Jannik is not playing, this is bad news here, especially because The way he’s playing this year.

“If we want to talk about why people get injured, I say it very clearly: when you push your body to the limit, you eventually get injured. As tennis gets faster and faster, you get injured. When you play most of the year on hard courts and the surfaces are harder on “The body, you get injured, that’s the simple answer.”

“Then there’s the other world. The world of tournaments. That’s about the business and the sport itself. That’s another conversation. Ultimately, players want to make money. Leagues want to make money. So, the whole cycle comes together and we accept that role,” he noted.

“I missed many important and very important tournaments in my career due to injuries. As a player you can’t complain about that. You accept what happens, and you move on. If you get injured, you have to recover well,” he recalls. .

“They are young. They will have a lot of chances to play in Roma and have a lot of success here. There is no drama. The tournament will continue even without Carlos and Yannick and they are two very important players in any event today. Especially for Italy, Yannick not having to play here after all he represents Today in this country, I think it is bad news even for me as a spectator, as a colleague of his, I feel very sad for him because he deserves to play here.

He said: “I wish him, and of course Carlos, all the best and hope to meet them at Roland Garros.”