Rafael Nadal admitted Tuesday that he struggling to maintain focus as the end of a long and successful season draws near, with the world number one once again required to lift for the final leg of an Asian trifecta as top seed at the Shanghai Masters.
The winner of three of the four Grand Slams and a seventh title of the season at the weekend through a win over Gael Monfils at the Japan Open says that only the support of enthusiastic Asian crowds is seeing him through.
“The season is long, but I’m fine. I’m happy to be here and happy to be healthy,” said the top seed, who starts Wednesday in the second round after a bye against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland.
“I’m more than happy with how the season has gone. But mentally, in this part of the season, it seems like is never going to end. But that’s our sport.
“Sometimes, the concentration to prepare the match is probably more than playing the match. But because the motivation, the feeling when you go on court, full stadiums, these things, everything is easier.” Nadal is counting the days until he can pause briefly at the end of the campaign, with his next event after Shanghai the Paris Bercy Masters from November 8 followed by the eight-man season finale in London.
“Now the last three tournaments remain. Sure, I’m more tired every day. But when you see the crowd supporting you, that gives you the power to keep working hard.”
Courtesy: The Hindu
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