RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

Top seed Rafael Nadal has had his first hit out ahead of his Argentina Open title defence, practising with compatriot David Ferrer in Buenos Aires on Monday.
It was the first look at Nadal in action since his first-round exit to another of his countrymen, Fernando Verdasco, at this year’s Australian Open. The Spaniard downed his good friend Juan Monaco to claim last year’s title in the Argentine capital and the pair could be set for a rematch in the second round provided Tandil native Monaco wins his first match.
“I didn’t like at all the defeat in Australia, but that I cannot solve,” Nadal said. “It was a bad tournament. [It] just did not work out despite having prepared very well. So I'm in Buenos Aires to give my best and try to make a better presentation.
“Every season is different, but with the same purpose to fight in every tournament and finish as high as possible in the ranking. I’m happy to return to Argentina, because every time I left this country I did it with a lot of positive energy. They treat me very well here, like few places in the world.”
World No. 5 Nadal has a first-round bye, while Monaco can set up an eighth FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting with his occasional doubles partner should he get past Italian qualifier, Marco Cecchinato. The pair won the 2015 Doha doubles title together, and finished runners-up at Vina Del Mar in 2013.
“Monaco was injured a long time, so we have to wait if he can eliminate Cecchinato,” Nadal said. “I hope that Juan can win because he is my friend and a victory would benefit him after many days without playing. Anyway, it will be a difficult match for me.”

Source: ATP World Tour

Photos: EFE; ATP; Argentina Open

Rafa via Facebook:

"Happy to be in Buenos Aires now, just in time for a quick chat with Movistar Argentina TV"

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Translated by Genny SS:

"Rafa talks about the OG, how painful it was for him to skip 2012's OG. Yet, he's not looking for revenge in Rio. He says revenge is a bad feeling that distorts reality & makes your focus go away from what really matters. Missing 2012' OG was tough, mainly 'cause there are very few chances to compete in OG. He feels truly fortunate to have been able to get to Beijing ready to compete at high level & get good result.
He also says that, unlike other sports, in tennis you don't get a special preparation for the OG, but you go on w/usual calendar & try to get as ready as possible for when the time comes. For now, his mind is focused in competing well in BA this week & in Rio, the next one."