RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

Rafael Nadal believes that his ability to adapt his game during matches has been a crucial factor behind his dominant start to the year, with the Spaniard arriving at the BNP Paribas Open holding a perfect 15-0 record on the season.

“I have always been able to find a way to adapt my game when I have needed to become better,” Nadal said in his pre-tournament press conference in Indian Wells. “Some days I have played aggressively, some days I have played a little more defensively and more tactically.

“My serve has been working well, which is important at this stage in my career. Then I think I have been brave enough to play with the right determination when needed. I am just working hard to continue to improve, but I am happy with the level of tennis and intensity I am showing on court.”

Nadal has enjoyed a career-best start an ATP Tour season and has won his past 20 sets in a row, dating back to the Australian Open.

“I tried to stay as positive as possible and that is it,” Nadal said when reflecting on his recovery. “We didn’t practise running or movement work [last year]. After Roland Garros, I couldn’t walk for two weeks. Then I was not ready to go to Washington or Toronto but I wanted to try. But the two months of training before that were terrible.

“Winning [at the Australian Open] was so important. But being competitive and enjoying the competition was what was so emotional for me, being able to play in a huge stadium with fans again.”

“I have been here for more than a week,” Nadal added. “I always enjoy it here. It is one of my favourite tournaments without a doubt. I take it day by day, just trying to enjoy the moment. It is unexpected for me to be in this position, so I am enjoying it every day and trying to enjoy the fact I am playing well. I have already won three titles this year and that is amazing for me.”

Source:  atptour.com 

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INDIAN WELLS (Reuters) - Tennis players lashing out at umpires is hurting the sport and stiffer penalties need to be imposed to discourage it from happening, Rafa Nadal told reporters on Thursday.

Nadal's comments came after Alexander Zverev received a one-year probation - but no immediate suspension - following an outburst in Acapulco last month where he smashed his racket against the umpire's chair and verbally abused him.

Given the intensity of Zverev's tantrum and the proximity to the chair umpire's ankles, many were surprised the 24-year-old German was allowed to compete at the Indian Wells tournament.

"I have a good relationship with Sascha, I like him, I practise with him very often, so I wish him all the very best. And he knows that he was wrong and he recognized that very early and that's a positive thing," Nadal said.

"On the other hand, if we are not able to control this type of attitude on court, not just this one instance in particular, there has been other stuff going on in the last couple months.

"If we are not able to penalize these types of attitudes in a little stronger way, then we as players will feel stronger and stronger all the time.

"In this sport, we have to be a positive example, especially for the kids."

Nadal was relaxed and upbeat as he fielded questions at the picturesque Indian Wells Tennis Garden in the Southern California desert.

The Spaniard won a men's record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January and has not lost in 15 matches this season after missing time last year with a foot injury.

Even he has been surprised by the amount of success he has had.

"As everyone knows this is one of my favorite tournaments," said Nadal, who has been staying at tournament owner and billionaire Larry Ellison's private resort, Porcupine Creek Golf Club.

"I have been practising, playing some golf, enjoying the good weather here and trying to be ready for the tournament.

"I have been trying to be calm, but I am increasing the practice."

Photos: Getty Images; USA TODAY; BNP Paribas Open