Nadal ready for more following Barcelona return

Getty Images

Rafael Nadal has accepted that the clock is ticking on his ATP Tour career. All things must come to an end. The sands of time stop for no man. However, the Spaniard does have one last wish for his glittering career; to be able to grow his legacy even further on the professional circuit and sign out in style on court at the venues where his legend looms largest.

One of those stages, where his name has so often been etched into the trophy, is the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. He has donned the crown in the city 12 times.

“I think I’ve been lucky to have an amazing record at this tournament. I suppose others will arrive and they may surpass it. I have the peace of mind of knowing that I always gave my all. I’m aware that everything has a beginning and an end. It’s nothing to worry about. It’s normal to be a bit sadder if you won’t be able to play at professional level at this tournament again,” he explained openly after bowing out to Alex de Minaur in the second round.

After 103 days without competing, every step is a giant leap. Never was this truer than in Barcelona, a tournament where he was back on clay 681 days after his last match on the surface. His participation in the tournament yielded one win – over Flavio Cobolli – and one defeat – against De Minaur.

“Life is laying out a very clear path for me. I played this tournament as if it were my last Godo,” he said without hesitation. “To me it’s been amazing to be able to play. One week ago I thought it wouldn’t be possible. I’ve played two matches. On a personal level, I’d say I leave feeling reenergised. Even though I lost 6-1 in the second set in the way that I lost, that’s what had to happen today. I leave here convinced that I’ve taken a step forward, and we’ll see what happens.”

Since he arrived in Barcelona last Wednesday, Nadal did everything in his power to be able to at least be on court for round one.

“At this point, the main thing is not winning, it’s leaving the tournament fit, more than anything else. That’s what has happened,” he stated.

“Of course, sometimes it’s difficult to play when you know maybe you’re not going to be able to battle all match. In a few weeks that may be the case. But today, after everything I’ve been through over the last few months, it’s not time for heroics. This is a time to be realistic, to look for answers with as much caution and logic as possible. That’s the reality. Once I lost the first set, the match was over.”

Nadal’s words contain hints of the natural disappointment of defeat, caution at what the near future might hold and a certain optimism, fitness permitting, with a view to the upcoming events, the next being the Mutua Madrid Open.

“I have to behave in Madrid according to how I feel. If I can do a week of practice sessions in Madrid with quality players, if I can play sets every day, if my body gets used to that level of competition and I feel I’m ready, then I’ll be able to progress,” he explained.

“If my body can cope with the progressive load, it’ll help me week after week to be able to try and demand more. I hope so. But that’s the reality. The logical thing would be to take it progressively, to try and take one more step in Madrid. Not in terms of matches, because that depends on the competition. I’ve played very little. But in terms of being able to fight for it a little more in Madrid, then more still in Rome. In Paris, then it’s in the lap of the gods. If I’m going to give it a shot, that would be the time to do it. Whatever happens, that is the place,” he admitted of his intentions for the future.

The path is set out before him, only destiny will decide how far he can go. But if one thing is certain, it’s that Nadal can never be accused of not trying to stay on his feet until the very end.