MADRID, May 9: Rafael Nadal believes he is finding his rhythm again after beginning his bid for a sixth Madrid Open title on Wednesday by beating Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets.
The victory also came hours before Nadal�s fellow Spaniard David Ferrer played the final match of his career, losing 6-4, 6-1 to Alexander Zverev in his last tournament before retirement.
Nadal has endured a turbulent few weeks after slipping to surprise defeats in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona last month before then being hit by a stomach bug on Sunday.
But there was never much sign of an upset in the Spanish capital, where the World No. 2 opened up with a 6-3, 6-3 victory.
�Right now every victory is important for me because it gives me the option to play again the next day,� Nadal said.
�Two weeks ago maybe playing again was not a chance to improve because I didn�t feel like that in training.
�Now I am feeling better in matches and I think every one gives me the chance to get better.�
Nadal has not arrived in Madrid without winning in either Monte Carlo or Barcelona since 2015 and, after also pulling out of Indian Wells due to a knee injury in March, concern was growing ahead of the French Open later this month.
The 32-year-old, who will be chasing his 18th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, will now face another young talent in America�s Frances Tiafoe, with either Stan Wawrinka or Kei Nishikori waiting in the quarterfinals.
�After Indian Wells, I had a big mental drop,� Nadal said. �I had to stop for two weeks and mentally I dropped.
�I struggled a lot to get fit and recover that energy, which I now feel again.�
Ferrer bowed out after losing to Zverev, calling time on a distinguished career that included 27 ATP titles and a highest ranking of number three in the world. Renowned for his never-say-die attitude, the 37-year-old reached the French Open final in 2014, as well as five more Grand Slam semifinals.
�I couldn�t have given more to this sport,� said Ferrer, who left his bandana on the �T� of the service box.
�I don�t know what my legacy will be but I always fought until the last point. Maybe it will be that.� � AFP
