ATP Washington: Rafael Nadal returns to victory two months after Roland Garros but his condition worries

But less than a month before the start of the US Open (August 30 to September 12), the third player in the world, who will face Lloyd Harris in the round of 16 in Washington, has not dispelled all the doubts about his physique. “My foot hurt, conceded the 35-year-old Spanish player last night at a press conference. It was painful. I hope it will be better tomorrow (Thursday). After that it helps to win the match, because otherwise I’m in good shape. I just need to have a little less pain in my foot.”

The Spaniard reminded him: his foot has been hurting him since 2005. “There are times when it hurts more than others. After the season on gravel, I was in pain. Now we have to start again.“, he added. But with some 7,000 spectators around the court in Washington, Rafael Nadal was able to draw the energy necessary to make the show during certain points and ensure a first victory for his entry into the tournament.”Energy question, public question, it was great. This type of match helps you improve. If the condition of my foot improves, then the rest will happen little by little “, he indicated.

“Nothing changes for me. Just because the three of us have 20 Grand Slam titles doesn’t mean it puts extra pressure, he confided. It doesn’t change my preparation, my approach, or my motivation to be ready. If Roger or Novak advance, so much the better for them I want to say. I will not be frustrated because I have already achieved a lot of things that I did not think I could do. “The next step for Rafael Nadal is first Lloyd Harris. And little by little regaining his feelings on the court even if his body continues to creak.