Subdued Nadal Enters The Unknown In Monte Carlo
Muhammad Rameez Published April 15, 2019 | 07:50 PM
Rafael Nadal offered a low-key appraisal Monday of his chances for a record-extending 12th Monte Carlo Masters title as he prepares to return from his latest injury lay-off
The 32-year-old Spaniard, whose bad knees and constant stoppages from competition have defined his career as king of clay, was extremely hesitant to even rate his chances as he gets set to face Roberto Bautista Agut in Wednesday's second round start.
"I cant give you any feeling, it's been a rough year and a half for me," Nadal said ahead of his first match since withdrawing hurt prior to an Indian Wells semi-final against Roger Federer last month.
"It's tough for me to get a clear view of how I am. It's all hard for me personally." Nadal has a vast number of ranking points to defend on clay after lifting titles in a spectacular 2018 run at Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Roland Garros.
His only other trophy during a season in which he did not play at all after the US Open came on hardcourt in Toronto, where he beat young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
Nadal is seeded second here behind Novak Djokovic, who is hoping to build for the French Open as he attempts to complete a personal sweep by winning his fourth straight Grand Slam title.
While Bautista Agut fought back to beat Australian John Millman 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, Denis Shapovalov's 20th birthday celebrations fell flat as he lost 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 to German Jan-Lennard Struff.
The 15th seed has yet to claim a win in the Principality after losing in the first round a year ago to Tsitsipas.
The nearly two-hour effort was marred by 10 double-faults from the Canadian youngster, who was broken six times.
Russian 10th seed Daniil Medvedev advanced easily over Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-1, 6-1, but Hungarian Marton Fucsovics dumped out Nikolaz Basilashvili, the 12th seed, 7-5, 3-6, 6-1.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From Sports
-
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
55 minutes ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
5 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
11 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
12 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
14 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
14 hours ago
-
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
14 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
14 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
14 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
14 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
14 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
14 hours ago