Nadal: "I am playing much better than two months ago, but I must keep progressing"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 20 Jul 2024 | 19.02

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Rafael Nadal appeared at the press conference visibly content and excited to have secured access to the final of the ATP 250 Bastad 2024. The Spaniard is just one victory away from achieving his 93rd title and experiencing the genuine and unbeatable feeling of winning a tournament. His explanations of how he recovered from the match against Navone are very interesting.

Satisfied, proud of himself, and eager to put the icing on the cake in this ATP 250 Bastad 2024, that's how Rafael Nadal faced the media after defeating a Duje Ajdukovic whom he spoke highly of, in addition to assessing how his recovery process was after the tennis marathon against Navone. The Balearic will face Nuno Borges in the final of the Swedish event, a player who arrives with confidence and will demand his best tennis if he wants to conquer the title.

- Evaluation of the match against Ajdukovic

"It was a great challenge to face a player who displayed a high level of tennis. He was confident, and it was difficult for me to push him back because he hit each ball very strongly. Especially, his backhand seemed spectacular to me. I eventually found a way, had the right attitude, and I am very satisfied to have achieved it after yesterday's match," said Rafa.

- How he managed to recover from the match against Navone

"After the match, I spent 20 minutes on the stationary bike, hydrated myself a lot, and tried to rest as much as possible. It's not easy to sleep enough after such a match, especially for a Spaniard, as we like to go to bed late. When I woke up, I felt very tired, but with no major discomfort, and that was the most important thing for me," stated the Spaniard.

- What he feels returning to Bastad 19 years later

"Everything is very different, but what is clear is that I could never have imagined being here at 38 years old. I am very proud of everything that has happened in my life and my sports career. Returning here after all the success I have had is very nice; I am very happy, and now what I want is to be prepared to fight for the title," he said.

- Areas where he must continue to improve

"There are many areas in which I must continue to evolve. The main thing is reading the game, making the right shot choice at crucial moments. I am gradually regaining the leg speed that allows me to hit my forehand with power. I am playing much better than two months ago, but I must continue to progress. I have to accept all the challenges that come and be willing to suffer on the court to continue giving myself opportunities to be successful," said an excited Rafael Nadal about his aspirations in the ATP 250 Bastad 2024.