Rafael Nadal gives injury update ahead of US Open
What's the story
Former three-time US Open champion Rafael Nadal has given an injury update ahead of the US Open 2019. He has been doing good with his knee so far, as he also managed to win the Montreal Masters. Meanwhile, he has given a positive update on it and claimed that he can cope with the strain and bid for the title. Here's more.
Knee trouble
Nadal has had a troubled knee over the past year
Since the past one year, Nadal has been suffering from a knee problem. He played the semis of the US Open last year, only to withdraw mid-match against Juan Martin del Potro, following a recurrence of the knee problem. He also missed the remainder of the season, while another recurrence of the problem led to him withdrawing from the 2019 Indian Wells semis.
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I hope to be ready, says Nadal
"I hope to be ready. Last year, honestly, I was not that bad. Of course, my feeling on the knees are better this year than last year. Last year the problem was I played three or four very, very long matches," said Nadal.
Right practice
Nadal claims he is practicing the right way
Meanwhile, Nadal has claimed that asides playing well, he has been practicing his play the right way. Moreover, he is confident of performing at the US Open, especially following his Montreal win. "Hopefully remain a couple of days of good practices. Let's see, if I'm able to make that happen," Nadal continued to say during the US Open press conference in New York.
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'I have to win my matches to have an advantage'
"I have to win my matches to have an advantage because I can only meet them in the (final). I have plenty of work before that to know if I have an advantage or not," concluded Nadal.
Do you know?
Nadal has had a decent clay and grass season
Considering the recent performance of Nadal, he has been in scintillating form. While he did win his record 12th French Open title, following an initial troubled season on clay, he reached the semis of the Wimbledon, before losing to eventual runner-up Roger Federer.
Author's take
Nadal must bring his A-Game at a tough US Open
Nadal's performances of lates have been great and the author expresses his delight for him. However, he also warns that unlike clay and grass, hard courts are the most difficult platform to perform, especially physically. Considering Nadal's history of his knee, asides being careful, he also has to play his A-Game against top stars like Federer and world number one Novak Djokovic.
Next venture
Nadal aims a shot at his 4th US Open title
Nadal is all set to play the US Open, which is the final Grand Slam of the year. While he has been handed a relatively easy draw, it is from the pre-quarters where his real test could begin. With the likes of Federer and Djokovic possibly waiting for him in the final, things are indeed going to be tough for the Spaniard.