Rafael Nadal is doing well physically, still enthusiastic to play tennis despite recent losses: Toni Nadal

Despite the recent struggles that halted Rafael Nadal from winning tournaments this season, his uncle and coach Toni insists that the “King of Clay” is doing well physically and remains enthusiastic to play tennis.

In an interview with Spanish media outlet AS, Toni revealed that after suffering upsets in three straight tournaments this season, Rafa could be losing “confidence and tranquility” in his game. However, the 55-year-old Spaniard is convinced all is well in terms of the Mallorcan’s physical condition and approach in competitions.

“It's been 10 years since 2005, when he has won his first Slam title, but Rafa is doing well physically,” Toni said as translated by Vavel. “In Rio, against [Pablo] Cuevas, he arrived well to the third set in a long and very hard match. He has all the enthusiasm.”

Ever since his opening round loss to Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open last month, Rafael has struggled to secure victories in his subsequent matches. The 29-year-old Spaniard lost to Austrian Dominic Thiem in the semifinal round of the Argentina Open, then was defeated by Cuevas at the Rio Open last week. The world No. 5 admitted he was not optimistic about his losing streak stretching from a dreadful season last year.

"Clearly when you lose two weeks in a row with good chances to qualify for the final it’s never good, I fought until the end, I have had a good mentality accepting difficulties and fighting, but I lacked consistency in the important moments,” Rafael said, reports Tennis World USA. “I lacked a little bit of luck, I hope it goes better.”

Rafael’s next tournament will be at the Indian Wells, where he competes with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka, who just won his second title this season at the Dubai Tennis Championships.