Nadal Returns To Tokyo To Defend Title, Support Japan

© Hiroshi SatohRafael Nadal returns to defend his Tokyo title.

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal arrived in Tokyo on Sunday morning ready to begin his title defence at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships.

“It’s exciting to come back to Tokyo,” said the Spaniard, who practised for close to three hours on centre court with good friend Juan Monaco in front of 3,000 fans as part of ATP Sunday at the ATP World Tour 500 tournament.

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“For me the motivation is high and it’s always exciting to come back to every place around the world, but especially when you come back and you won last year, the memory and emotions are higher. Last year was an important victory for me. I’m back here and looking forward to go on court, practice, know a little bit about the conditions this year and try to feel good as soon as possible.”

Nadal made his Tokyo debut last year, capping the week with victory over Frenchman Gael Monfils in the final, and hoped for an opportunity to explore the city in between his on-court campaign.

“It’s an exciting city. Last year I didn’t have the chance to visit much. This year I will try to know a little more about Tokyo and for sure this is an important tennis tournament,” he said. “I had a fantastic result last year and I’m excited to be back and try my best another time. That’s what I will try, to try my best at every moment, have good practices today and tomorrow in order to be ready for Tuesday.”

In addition to his success last year in Tokyo, Nadal explained that his other motivation to return to Japan was to support a country affected by a devastating earthquake and tsunami this past March.

“It was a really hard year for all the Japanese people, for the people…The reason why I’m here is because I believe this is a fantastic country, I believe it’s a safe country and at the same time, the people are very, very nice. I always send all my support to all the people here in Japan, and I’m here to support this country.”

The East Japan Earthquake Charity Fund, along with Nadal and Argentine David Nalbandian, received $10,000 ATP ACES For Charity grants Sunday in a presentation on centre court. (Read more)

“The tennis family is always ready to help with the problems that have happened around the world,” said Nadal. “I’m sure we will find some good ideas for the future to keep helping Japan.”

Nadal will play his first-round match Tuesday against Japanese wild card Go Soeda.