“It's a very positive debut for me. The first game is always difficult here, every game is very difficult because you play with the best of the best. I am very happy and sorry for 'Rublo'. I wish him the best for the rest of the tournament. His year is being amazing. In very difficult conditions he has been able to win many tournaments “, explained Rafa Nadal still on the track after beating Andrey Rublev 6-4 and 6-3 in his debut in the ATP Finals.
The Spaniard was very satisfied with his way of approaching the match: “I always enter the court with the determination to try to play my game. I think neither service has worked very well tonight and that always helps on this surface. I have taken my few options to the rest. And it is the way to play indoors. “I also assure that the victory gives him wings in the tournament: “Very happy with the victory, which changes my perspective on the tournament. I know that I have a very difficult match against Thiem, but having a victory in two sets helps me gain confidence.”
Asked, already at a press conference, about the possibility of shortening the duration of the matches in the Grand Slams, it was clear. “I am against removing all five sets in the Grand Slams. It is part of the history of our sport. Playing five sets means being stronger for longer, being stronger physically and mentally.”, said. “There are no perfect matches. It was a match in which Rublev made more mistakes than usual. If you hit the serve and take opportunities for the rest, it becomes difficult for the opponent. It was tough, I look good tactically and the serve has helped me to be more relaxed to the rest and to apply what we had prepared. I rested in front, then back and then between again inside, we did not want to enter the fight of playing a lot from the back of the court “explained the Mallorcan.
“The idea and the result have helped me. You come out like this and maybe you have to change your mind. Things were going well and that is why I have been faithful to that plan. In the future we will see what can happen, with the rivals of maximum difficulty. Against one of the most difficult, Thiem, I'll see what I have to do. What they leave me and what we try to propose from the beginning. Everything translates to trying to play at my highest level, “he explained about his game plan again.
“I am confident that I have arrived well physically and mentally, but especially tennis, because that is what we play. That helps if the game is top-level. If so, I trust not to miss the head. If the physique accompanies, I am with the illusion of playing well and giving my maximum. Good start and what happens, it will be seen, “he commented on his good form, before acknowledging his satisfaction at being back at the Masters: “I have been classified for all editions from 2005 to 2020. For many years with the right attitude and being able to be regular. I faced injuries and stoppages., but every year I have managed to qualify. I am pleased to have had a professional career with the right attitude and aptitude. “