RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

Nadal comes to Barcelona ​​looking for another tenth crown
A tanned Nadal and with a Monte Carlo crown in his pocket arrived at his club, the RCTB-1899, wanting to rest only the minimum and necessary, to feel the ball a bit and reaffirm his good moment and his almost unbeatable start of the season start: "I'm where I wanted to be. And I hope things will continue to work.”

A 1,000 Masters, three finals (one Grand Slam) and one more than a deserved second place in the Race and fifth place in the ATP rankings make him feel optimistic. This time, in his pre-tournament press conference, he did not have to answer any questions about injuries. Neither appeared the words of anxiety or defeat.

Rafa has achieved something unprecedented for any player, ten titles at the same tournament, in this case Montecarlo... and that the conditions he treasures are the best ones to accomplish the same here in Barcelona. With permission of the world number one, Murray, the Majorcan has many possibilities to achieve it. Do not blink if you do not want to miss it.

"I arrive well, happy, excited about this start of the season. I debuted on clay in Montecarlo and there I went from less to more.” These are the words of the king of clay, who is no longer asked about Vila's record because it has been another one that he has greatly surpassed. Plenty of arguments to demonstrate optimism without any shadows. And more so if in the biggest match of the last weeks, the Monegasque final, he came out, giving very few opportunities to his opponent (Albert Ramos did not have any break points) and all seemed to work in his favor. "I did pretty much everything," said the ten-time winner at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

At the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell the conditions are different, new rival, a different ball and different expectations in front of his home crowd to lift the tenth Godó, and round off the best possible streak before arriving at Roland Garros where, again he could lift his tenth Roland Garros.

The first day for Nadal was a very complete one. Straight from the airport to the Olympic Stadium to learn how to set up and arch from the great Antonio Rebollo, responsible of lightening the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the Barcelona´92 Olympic Games.  Then a press conference and shortly after a practice, in addition to greet, give autographs and selfies with kids.

Rafa is well known that he does not like to augur the future. He does not want to hear of future rivals, future endings or feats. Now he only thinks of his first opponent in Barcelona, ​​who will be the winner of the match between Argentine Olivo and Brazilian Dutra Silva.  There is no doubt that the new Rafa Nadal court will be packed to watch his hero overcome his first hurdle in order to lift the tenth Trofeo de Godó.

Photos: Banc Sabadell; AP; AS; MD