Rafael Nadal talked about his preparations and his goals for the 2017 season.
After deciding to skip the remainder of the 2016 season due to a recurring left wrist injury, Nadal seems ready to hit the new season. In an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca and AS, Nadal opened about his preparations for 2017 and revealed some of his goals heading into a new season.
"I'm practicing much, I am in the middle of the pre-season and at the moment everything is going well. I am willing to work and so far I manage to do it," Nadal said, reports Tennis World.
There are questions over Nadal's physical condition heading into the Mubadala Championship in Abu Dhabi, his first tournament since being sidelined by a left wrist injury. In the past two seasons, Nadal has failed to remain healthy, although the King of Clay showed a glimpse of his old form this year, winning back-to-back titles in the European clay circuit.
Despite his ever-optimistic approach to coming back stronger and better from injuries and setbacks, Nadal offered uncertainty over playing in his best form once he returns to the Tour. But the 14-time Grand Slam winner remains clear about his goals of enjoying the game and competing at the highest level possible.
"I don't know," Nadal said when asked if fans would see his best at the Tour next year. "Being happy and playing well to win. These ones are my two goals, nothing more. And I am working to do it."
After the exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi, Nadal will commence the year in Australia to make his Brisbane International debut before competing at the Australian Open.
It will be the first time Nadal stars his season playing at the tournament, where he could face the likes of Milos Raonic, Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov.
"It's going to be the first time in my career that I'm going to play in Australia the first week of the season and I'm really excited about it," Nadal said, reports the ATP's official website.
Video courtesy: YouTube/lehunterpro
