Ahead of his debut in Rome, Nadal is optimistic: "I'm increasing my sensations, my level"

Rafael Nadal has left his homeland. After two tournaments played in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid), the Majorcan has set foot in Italy to contest, one last time, the Rome Masters 1000. Once again, the atmosphere will be great, and the public are likely to give their fervent support to the king of clay.

- Rafa, eager to get started

As he makes his debut this Thursday (against Zizou Bergs), 'Rafa' confided in a press conference. After a very average tournament in Barcelona, the Majorcan admitted to having played much better in Madrid and acknowledges that his level of play is increasing day by day: "I'm excited at the idea of playing in Rome, a tournament that has given me many unforgettable moments. [...] It's a tournament that's part of the history of our sport, very important on the tour. I feel lucky to be playing here again at this stage of my career. I'm motivated for tomorrow (Thursday) and for this tournament. [...] We'll see. Day by day. This is almost my third week in a row on the tour, my third tournament in a row. This hasn't happened to me for a long time. It's great news. I'm happy with how I'm feeling today. [...] I'm increasing my sensations, my level. Let's keep going. (comments relayed by L'Equipe).

- Roland-Garros: between ambition and feverishness

Asked about his ambitions for the French Open, the Spaniard once again calmed things down, but a little less virulently: "I don't have a clear answer. First of all, I want to play in Rome. I'm not thinking about the aftermath. If after that I feel ready to play Roland Garros, I can't predict what kind of emotions I'll feel there. I just want to enjoy every day. I'm happy doing what I do. When I talk about retirement, it's not because I'm no longer happy playing tennis or don't feel competitive enough. That's not the case. Rather, it's because my body wasn't capable of playing for weeks on end, wasn't capable of allowing me to train and enjoy training on a daily basis. So there comes a time when it just doesn't make sense anymore. [...] But now it's almost my third week on the circuit, so... It's a good time, even if the results aren't what they used to be."

- Shyly admitted progress

When asked about the progress made since his return, the man with 14 French Open titles admitted, half-heartedly, that he was making progress: "It's not a constantly rising line, it's a bit of ups and downs. [...] From a general point of view, the line is definitely rising. A month ago, it was almost impossible to think I'd be playing in Barcelona, then Madrid, and now here in Rome. Things are falling into place. I've been able to accept the challenge, accept that at times I can't push as hard as I'd like. Madrid was a good test for me; I played two days in a row, a three-hour match. My sensations are better. In terms of tennis too. I'm here to do my best. Tomorrow (Thursday) is the start. All the matches are difficult for me today, difficult and more unpredictable than before. I accept that. I'm excited to be able to play if I keep working the right way and my body allows me to."

Even if he continues to walk on eggshells, the most likely outcome seems to be Rafa's participation in the French Open. Although the Spaniard has always enjoyed masquerading as the eternal outsider, this game of dupe seems less and less credible in the light of his very respectable performances. While the King of the Ochre might not be a contender for the title, either in Rome or at Roland-Garros, it is clear that the Spanish legend is becoming even more powerful (training victory over Francisco Cerundolo, 6-3, 7-6).

In any case, he'll have to take care of his first match this Thursday, against Zizou Bergs (not before 1 p.m.).