the essential
Rafael Nadal won in his first match at the Masters 1000 in Rome this Thursday, May 9. But two weeks before Roland-Garros, the former world number 1 is not yet guaranteed to participate, in particular because of his physical condition.
It was a not so easy victory for Rafael Nadal in the first round of the Masters 1000 in Rome. The Spaniard won against the Belgian Zizou Bergs in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4). The question of his participation in Roland-Garros is still unresolved, but “Rafa” once again took the floor to take stock of his game and his state of health.
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In the newspaper L’Equipe, he explains: “I serve much better than in Barcelona. I also have the feeling of being faster. Sometimes I play too far from the baseline. It’s something that I have to improve. I have to organize my position on the pitch a little better than what I did today…”.
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Self-confidence
It also comes back to his ability to play with confidence after several injuries: “There comes a time when I have to prove to myself that I am capable of pushing my body to the necessary limit to feel ready. I need to lose this fear. Matches like today help me. At times I was moving faster, at other times not I have to get used to that, to take that risk. If something bad happens, we will accept it. . But it’s time to push. I feel more ready to try than before.”
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Before Roland-Garros “El Matador” has another challenge ahead of him. From this Saturday, May 11, he will have to face Hubert Hurzacz, the 7th player in the world during the second round in Rome.
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