World number one Spaniard Rafael Nadal resumes training after injury heals
Currently ranked number one in the world, Rafael Nadal of Spain is set to resume training after overcoming a hamstring injury that knocked him out of the 2011 Australian Open. During a presentation for the 2011 Barcelona Clay tournament,
which the professional has won for five years in a row, from 2005 through 2009, Rafa stated that he is now fit to return and has resumed training.
Nadal's dreams of becoming the first player to hold all four grand slam singles titles since Australia's Rod Laver quashed after losing to compatriot David Ferrer in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Australian Open. The Spaniard admitted
later on that he was disappointed after being unable to mark another achievement in his career as well as in the history of tennis.
Rafael defeated Croatia's Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-4 and 6-3 in their fourth round match of the event to face Ferrer in the quarterfinals. The top-ranked professional was then beaten 4-6, 2-6 and 3-6 by his fellow countryman.
The disappointment caused Nadal to break down and shed tears in his locker room shortly after the loss. "I was crying in the locker room. I hate to go out of the tournament," Nadal said yesterday. "Last year, I had to do it and
it was something I didn't want to repeat. But from the third game I knew I didn't have a chance to win. David was playing fantastic and I wasn't able to run enough to rise to the level to beat him."
However, now, the Spaniard is ready to hit the practice courts at home, as he plans to prepare for Spain's Davis Cup first round tie against Belgium in the first week of March. Furthermore, Nadal stated, "I feel quite good, I am
going home to begin training on the courts. I will begin training slowly. I want to follow a plan, with no setbacks."
Nadal bagged his first ever Laureus Sportsman of the Year award in Abu Dhabi on Monday leaving behind, National Basketball Association professional Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers; Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao; Lionel
Messi from Argentina; Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel and the Spanish Football team's Andreas Iniesta to clinch the award.
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