Rafael Nadal pledges to return stronger in the upcoming China Open
A belligerent Rafael Nadal has vowed to return a stronger player and sternly warned that he will be back on top in the sport. The Spaniard has endured a disastrous season so far, failing to progress beyond the quarter-final stage of any of the four Grand Slams. Nadal’s bare run this season has seen him slip down to seventh in the latest rankings, but he remains fully "motivated" to turn his fortunes around ahead of the upcoming China Open, reports NDTV Sports.
"I think I am working well. I am very motivated to go for that challenge that brings me the chance to overcome a tough situation. I love that feeling, and I am going to fight to make that happen", he said.
Recalling his US Open loss, Nadal said he tried hard for victory. "In the US Open I did better, even if I lost the match (to Fabio Fognini in the round of 32). Tough loss, but I did better. Let's try here to do better again."
Nadal has previously been in such precarious situation, and has successfully fought back to return on top. The 29-year old will be hoping to return in a similiar fashion and regain his lost glory in Tennis. Nadal is slowing feeling confident about his form, as he gradually gears up to preparing for the new season beginning with the China Open.
"It's obvious that when you lose more than what you won, you lose your confidence, no? But the confidence comes back with victories and with good feelings on court", he felt.
The Spaniard felt he had a difficult time regulating his emotions on court and as a result, it hindered his natural game. "I was not able to control my emotions on court for a lot of months, so when that happens it's almost impossible to play well.”
"Last couple of months I'm feeling that I recovered that. I don't feel that I am suffering on court as I did the first six, seven months of the season.”
"I feel that I am more under control of my emotions on court. So that's a very big advance for me... I am working very hard and I have the motivation to improve my game again”, he continued.
The World no.7 will start afresh when he begins his campaign in the China Open and will look to get back to winning ways, when he starts off against wildcard Chinese entrant Wu Di in his opening round fixture.