Rafael Nadal Admits Feeling Rather ‘Panicky’ Ahead Of His First Round Match At The Swiss Indoors
Rafael Nadal has said in an interview that he is feeling rather panicky ahead of his first round match at the 2014 Swiss Indoors Basel. Nadal enters that tournament as the second seed behind top seed Roger Federer. The Spaniard will face Italian qualifier Simon Bolelli in the first round. It will be the fourth meeting between the two. Nadal leads their head-to-head record, 3-0.
According to a news report on the official website of Men's Professional Tennis, many emotions are coursing through Nadal's veins right now. After Nadal has taken antibiotic treatment so he can play in Basel. He has been informed by his doctors that he it is safe for him to play, but the third ranked athlete is reportedly feeling a little jumpy about his performance in the tournament.
"It's going to be one of the most dangerous first rounds in the 500 tournament that I've played in a long time," Nadal said. He added that he is not exactly sure what the outcome of the first round match will be because he hasn't been able to practise "well enough." Nadal said that his body feels more fatigued when playing.
Nadal said that a practice session is far different from the real competition. He is a little bit worried about how his body will react because he has suffered some of his injuries after taking antibiotics. Nonetheless, Nadal is optimistic that it won't be the case this time.
Nadal said that took antibiotic treatments for a week and a half. Since then, his condition has improved and he has been feeling better. Nadal, who recently dropped to the third place of the world rankings, said that it has been tough comeback for him after the wrist injury he sustained during the 2014 Wimbledon Championships. However, Nadal said that he knows that having injuries is part of his sport.
Nadal said that his main goal right now is to become healthy again. He is expected to have his appendix removed after the Basel tournament.
Nadal returns to Basel after 10 years. He last played in the tournament in 2004, where he lost to retired German athlete Rainer Schuttler in straight sets, 3-6, 4-6. Former champions at the Swiss Indoors include Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, Roger Federer, and John McEnroe.
