Monaco (AFP)
Rafael Nadal qualified almost without opposition on Wednesday for the round of 16 of the Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo, dominating the Argentinian Federico Delbonis (87th) 6-1, 6-2 in 1h20.
"I had a solid game. Nothing fancy, but nothing bad. Just a solid game, a good start. I think I did the right thing," commented the Spaniard.
In the next round, he will face the Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov (17th) and this time expects a "difficult test".
The world No.3 had not played in competition since his elimination in February in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open where he had a back injury.
But on Wednesday, he appeared to be physically comfortable.
"Yes, I feel good, he confirmed. I have been training well for the last three, four weeks and honestly I feel in good shape. I can win, I can lose, I can play better or less. good. But physically and mentally I'm happy to be on the circuit. "
Especially since in Monaco, the health bubble imposed by the ATP on players allows small differences: Monegasque residents are allowed to stay at home provided they undergo a daily covid test and respect the rules imposed on them. other players, confined to an official hotel like Nadal.
In the Principality, they are nevertheless allowed to go out for one hour a day, apart from the time spent on the competition site.
"It doesn't seem like much, but being able to go out for an hour's walk outside the hotel makes a big difference. At least you can breathe fresh air, even if you can't go to a restaurant or a restaurant. The shops. Mentally, it helps, it's an improvement, "said Nadal.
However, one of his training partners, Daniil Medvedev who resides in Monaco, tested positive for covid on Monday and excluded from the tournament.
“It didn't worry me because I trained with him, but I've never been around him, Nadal commented. four meters from him, except at the end of the day, a second to thank him, "commented the Spaniard.
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