“I don’t have that negative feeling," Rafael Nadal says there is progress

Rafael Nadal just about managed to book a place in the last 16 at the Madrid Masters, after a three set victory over Pedro Cachin. The Spaniard was knocked out only in the second round in Barcelona, however he has won three straight matches here in Madrid. He next faces a stiff challenge in the form of Jiri Lehecka. He believes that there are signs of progress, as he no longer feels negative about his body. He hopes to be on the court in the last 16 battle.

“Three and a half weeks ago, I was in Manacor almost unable to get out and move, losing to the guys from the academy day after day,” said Nadal. “Now I’m with the guys on the tour again. And winning. There is progress, and it has to be valued positively, no matter how small. Although I am in a different situation in my career, I think I have built it by valuing small improvements. I am trying to go through this process again even though it is a much more complicated task."

“I don’t have that negative feeling now like I had in that moment, but nobody knows what can happen during the night and how I wake up tomorrow morning,” said Nadal. “And that’s the truth, no? I’m not saying that because I’m trying to protect myself. I am talking with my heart and saying exactly the feelings that I have right now. Let’s wait for tomorrow. I hope nothing happens, and I hope to be on court tomorrow.”