Rafael Nadal said he feels competitive going into the tournament but conceded his first-round tie with Alexander Zverev is a tough one
With top seeds struggling or recently injured, the men’s draw is hard to call while Swiatek has few serious rivals
With many hours spent on the court, Nadal has felt himself progressing. He said he is competitive with top players in practice matches and, as of this past week, has finally been able to move with freedom. “In some way I don’t want to close 100% the door, because of a very simple thing,” he said.“First, I am enjoying playing. Second, I am travelling with the family. They are enjoying. I am enjoying sharing all this process with them.
“It’s a super-tough first round,” said Nadal. “Maybe I repeat the disaster of Rome. It’s a possibility. I don’t want to hide that. But in my mind is to do something different and play much better and give myself a chance to play competitively.” In both finals, Swiatek had to hold off Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 2 and clear second favourite, and their rivalry continues to grow. While the, decided on a final-set tiebreak after Sabalenka missed three match points, Rome was perhaps a better example of how difficult it is to hang with Swiatek in slower clay-court conditions.
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