Sunday, May 20th, 2012
Rafael Nadal Feared He Would Never Win Again
The Claycourt Master Rafael Nadal has told how he feared he may never return to the pinnacle of men’s tennis before regaining his fifth French Open title and the World No. 1 tag. Nadal produced a master class to beat Robin Soderling 6-4 6-2 6-4 to win the crown on Sunday, and avenge last year’s defeat to the Swede.
The star told reporters “I think everybody has doubts, has his doubts with himself – I am not an exception. When I worked a lot at home during December, my feeling was I was in perfect condition to try to win in Australia. When I had to retire from there, it was a very difficult moment,” The Independent quoted Nadal, as saying.
“Going out off court in any tournament is very hard, especially in a grand slam. The harder thing is that you’re going to be another three weeks without practice at home recovering,” he added.
“I was there crying, but it was really emotional moment for me. I didn’t think about a lot of things but the moment, and afterwards all the nerves, the pressure on me and a difficult year,” Nadal said.
“After you win this big title, you lose your tension,” he added