I don't think about being the best tennis player in the world, I honestly don't care much about it: Rafael Nadal
In a recent interview with the Tennis Channel, World No. 4 Rafael Nadal revealed that he neither cares nor thinks much about being the "best tennis player" on the ATP tour. Nadal stated that he "just tries to enjoy the sport" and is happy with where he is at the moment.
Rafael Nadal won his second-round clash against Sebastian Korda at the Indian Wells Masters on Saturday, defeating the young American in three sets. With the win, the Spaniard improved to 16-0 this season.
Rafael Nadal pulled off another great escape, rallying from two breaks down in the third set to beat young Sebastian Korda in the second round at #IndianWells
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During the interview, Nadal was asked if he considers himself the "best tennis player" right now since he defeated current World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev twice recently. The 35-year-old replied that the thought didn't even cross his mind.
Nadal stated that he was happy with where he was at, especially considering his career was in jeopardy only a few months ago. The 35-year-old added that he tries to "enjoy every day."
"I don't think about that [being the best tennis player]. No, I honestly don't know. I don't think and I honestly don't care much. I'm just happy to be in the position that I am. Honestly, two months and a half, three months back, I was not sure that I will have the chance to play at the right level of tennis, professional tennis," said Nadal.
"So, today, I am competitive again. I won three tournaments. I am here playing in Indian Wells. I just try to enjoy every day. I don't put myself in that - 'I want to be the best.' I just keep going," added the 21-time Grand Slam winner.
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Nadal further stressed that his main goal is to continue to stay healthy and enjoy playing tennis.
"I know if I am healthy and if I am able to walk the right way and play tournaments in a row, looking back on my career, I had a positive level and chances to compete for the things that I won it and that's still the goal. Keep enjoying this sport and try to fight for important things," the Spaniard said.
"Even if today, [I] didn't play very well, probably the good level is not very far" - Rafael Nadal after battling past Sebastian Korda at Indian Wells
Although Nadal is through to the third round at Indian Wells, he was pushed to the wire against Sebastian Korda. Nadal was 5-2 down in the third set before leading an inspired comeback to seal the match.
Speaking about his performance, Nadal admitted that Korda played "much better" than him. The Spaniard said he lost the "feeling" after taking the first set and was not able to retrieve it until right at the end.
Nadal stated that he was "super happy" to have won today and that his "good level is not very far."
Wow.
Rafael Nadal comes back from 2-5* in the 3rd set to beat Sebastian Korda 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(3) and stay undefeated (16-0) in 2022.
Into the 3rd round in IndianWells. https://t.co/us3FvV8HGB
"Well, I still don't know. Thanks, but I think he [Korda] was playing much better than me today. If I started playing well in the first set, then I lost the feeling. I was not able to have that feeling back. But with the 5-2, I think I improved a little bit... I came back and I am super happy to win this match because that gave me the chance to play in today's and they have been playing so well," stated Nadal.
"So, even if today, [I] didn't play very well, probably the good level is not very far. So, I hope I will be able to turn around this day and be ready to play at the very good level," concluded the 35-year-old.
Indian Wells 2022: Rafael Nadal vs Dan Evans preview, head-to-head & prediction | BNP Paribas Open dlvr.it/SLbgTj
Rafael Nadal will square off against Dan Evans in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on Monday.
Also read: "His start to the season reminds me a little bit of when Roger Federer came back in 2017" - Tommy Haas on Rafael Nadal