Rome awaits Nadal after Madrid victory

World number one looks to brush up clay preparations for French Open.

ROME:

Rafael Nadal will continue his Roland Garros preparations with a final major tune-up at the Rome Masters, an event where he has been champion in four of the last five years.

The Spanish world number one proved that his game is heading back to its lethal best as he won the Madrid title when Japan’s Kei Nishikori quit trailing 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 with back pain on Sunday.

After surprise quarter-final defeats on his favoured clay this spring in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal will be pleased to travel to Italy as a winner. He comes to the Foro Italico with a yearning to make more history by claiming a ninth trophy at the French Open starting May 25.

Nadal did himself a favour with his Madrid success, ensuring that he will hang onto the top ranking for another week heading into Paris. The Spaniard will begin his 32nd week in a row at number one and 134th overall.

He is also more optimistic about his chances over the rest of the season.

“I will be 28 in a few weeks’ time,” said Nadal. “How many years have I been on the tour? 12? That’s a lot. But I am where I want to be.

“I’m feeling better and better physically, better than a year ago. This is the most important thing. I still feel fortunate for doing what I’m doing.”

Novak Djokovic, who withdrew from Madrid to let a right wrist injury properly heal, returned to Rome with new coach Boris Becker in tow and immediately hit the practice courts.

Two-time champion Djokovic lifted the Rome title in 2008 and 2011 while losing finals in 2009 and 2012 to Nadal.

Australian Open and Monte Carlo winner Stanislas Wawrinka takes the third seeding and will work to come good after his opening loss in Madrid a year after playing Nadal in that final.

New father of twins, Roger Federer, seeded fourth, is due to make a late decision on his participation.

Meanwhile, the top of the women’s draw remains a question mark, with top seed and holder Serena Williams hoping to be fit after withdrawing from the Madrid quarter-finals due to a left thigh injury which required a heavy strapping all week in Spain.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.