Rafael Nadal happy to be playing third straight event after injury return

Former World No.1 Rafael Nadal says he is encouraged by his steady development since returning from injury last month, as the 14-time French Open champion prepares for Roland Garros at this week’s Rome Masters.

Nadal, who has stated that he intends to retire after this season, spent the majority of last year nursing a hip injury that necessitated surgery before a muscle rupture in Brisbane halted his comeback in January.

Nadal returned to the circuit during the clay swing for tournaments in Barcelona and Madrid, and he is fit enough to compete in his third consecutive event in Rome.

“That hasn’t happened since a very long time ago,” he told reporters Wednesday. “That’s good news. I need to keep going. I need to keep exploring how I’ll be able to manage to play every day. But yeah, I’m happy the way that I feel today.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted to facing challenging moments in his last two events, as well as his first training session in Rome before Thursday’s opening against Zizou Bergs.

“But in general, the line’s going up, without a doubt,” he added.

“Happy to be today where I am, because one month ago for me it was almost impossible to think that I’ll be able to play in Barcelona, then in Madrid and now being here in Rome.”

“I’m doing the things the proper way and trying to avoid a lot of risks in terms of pushing a lot in matches, I was able to keep moving. Madrid was a good test for me playing, I think, two days in a row, one match over three hours”

“All the matches are difficult and more unpredictable than they used to be for me, especially on clay. I accept that role. I accept that challenge.”

The French Open begins on May 26.