Rafael Nadal to open account at Cincinnati
World number one Rafael Nadal has reached the semi-finals of the ATP Cincinnati Masters tennis tournament on two occasions so far in his career. The Spaniard claimed on Tuesday that he will not say anything about his prospects at this year’s Cincinnati edition prior to his opening match on Wednesday.
He will meet America’s Taylor Dent in his opening match of the Cincinnati Masters in what is expected to be a walk in the park for the Spaniard.
“For me the, competition will start from Wednesday. I had not practiced much since the Rogers Cup tennis tournament in Toronto last week”, said Rafael, who was defeated at the Cincinnati Masters in the semi-finals by Serbian player Novak Djokovic on the last two occasions.
Rafael Nadal was defeated by the British number one Andy Murray in the semi-final of the Canadian Open last week and was not satisfied with his serve.
"Things will automatically change," Nadal said. "The serve will be very significant. I need to improve my serve if I want to reach the later stages of the tournament without any question and I have already started working on it”.
While commenting on the difference of conditions in Cincinnati as compared to Toronto, Rafa said, “There is no comparison at all as both the surfaces are extremely different. It’s very quick here, even quicker than Toronto. Moreover, it is also more difficult to adapt to the conditions here in contrast to Toronto. Nevertheless, I will try my level best beyond any doubt”.
Novak Djokovic, who was a runner up in the last two editions also said the same about the pace of the courts in Cincinnati. He said, "I was a quite amazed when I came here and noticed the difference in contrast to Toronto," Djokovic said. "It is quite slower in Canada and you have more chances to control the ball however it is much quicker here”, he added.
Djokovic is one of the most successful players in Cincinnati in the last five years after reaching two finals in a row. The court probably suits the Serbian’s game who is once again looking forward to give his 100% at the ATP Masters Cincinnati in 2010.
Rafael Nadal while commenting on his record at the U.S. Open told reporters that he has found it quite difficult in terms of his fitness in order to play equally well towards the end of the year.
The final Grand Slam of the season is being held during the month of August when Rafa, who is famously known as a clay court expert, has often been facing the strain of the year.
Nadal is definitely looking forward to continue his winning momentum at the Flushing Meadows however the Spaniard is not sure whether his present good form will lead him in winning his first U.S. Open title this year or not.
According to Nadal, every tournament is different.
“This season I started the French Open competition in a terrible fashion and then I played extremely well in the semi final round and eventually won the title. Therefore, no one can predict anything unless the tournament starts however one thing is sure that I will put all my efforts to play at my best”, said Rafa.
While commenting on his physical fitness at the moment which has been a major issue at Flushing Meadows, the Spaniard said, “Physically, I am feeling absolutely perfect”.
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