Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic, the 2 top ranked players on the ATP Tour, team up for the Rogers Cup
Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal, commenting on the Rogers Cup tennis tournament in a recent interview, said that his form and body both are in perfect shape to play at his very best in the challenges ahead. His good health is one of the main reasons that the top ranked Rafa has decided to team up with Novak Djokovic to play doubles together at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 competition, which will start from Monday.
Talking at the official draw in Toronto, the twenty-four-year old Rafa said, “I think my body is in good form to play the singles as well as the doubles matches side by side in Toronto this year.”
The Spaniard has won the Rogers Cup on two occasions so far in his career, and will definitely be looking to grab this year’s title after reaching the top spot by ATP.
“Last season, I skipped the competition as I had issues with my knee. This season, however, I liked the idea of playing doubles along with the singles matches in Rogers Cup. In my opinion, Doubles is a very significant aspect of the game of tennis and a player can improve his game to a great extent by playing the doubles contest. As far as my teaming up with the second ranked Novak is concerned, it’s a really positive sign for the game of tennis as both the top ranked players will be playing together. I am really looking forward to it. He is definitely one of the most blessed players in the world of tennis. To play with him as a partner will be a good experience. I am also feeling hundred percent confident as far as my health and fitness is concerned. I am not at all worried of my form; the only thing in my mind at the moment is tennis, tennis and all tennis. I am in perfect shape right now,” said Nadal.
"After the grass court Grand Slam tournament, I did some prevention healing for my knees and I also took a break of around three weeks. However, later on I once again started practicing more and more and I will carry on with it even tougher in the next couple of days,” added the Spaniard.
On the very first occasion since 2003, Rafa and Federer will not appear as the top two favourites at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. The third ranked Federer was drawn to contest in the bottom half, where the Swiss could face the second seeded Novak in the semifinal battle.
Rafael Nadal captured his very first hard surface trophy at the Rogers Cup back in 2005. While comparing his form to his first title victory five years ago, the Spaniard said that he has grown as a far better all court contender now without any question. “In my opinion, I am a more complete tennis player as compared to the past. If I perform well I will definitely have more chances than anyone else of having a positive result on all courts. On the other hand, if I play bad on any court, then I will be in trouble for sure as all the top ranked players posses almost similar sporting talent and flair,” he added.
Nadal will participate in the Rogers Cup as his very first competition since the grass court Grand Slam tournament last month at the All England Club. He will be chasing his fourth ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy in a row after he registered his name in the history books as the very first contender to make a clean sweep of the three clay surface Masters 1000 championships in Rome, Madrid as well as Monte-Carlo since 1990. The eight-time major winner has triumphed in thirty-one of his previous thirty-two clashes, only suffering defeat at the hand of Feliciano Lopez in the quarterfinals round at Queen’s Club.
As far as his previous two American hard surface performances are concerned, the Spaniard made his way into the semifinal rounds of both ATP World Tour Masters 1000 competitions in Miami as well as Indian Wells. Therefore, he will definitely be looking forward to maintain his previous record.
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