Mallorca: Fourteen-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal said he is not sure if he will win a major tournament anytime soon and add to his tally.
Nadal struggled to rediscover his best form lately and his dominant reign at the French Open came to an end during a barren year without a major triumph. He has won two Wimbledon, nine French Open, two US Open and one Australian Open titles to cement his place among the greats of the game.
But last year his form dipped alarmingly, following an injury, enduring a Grand Slam-less season that saw his world rankings dip to No.7.
“I don’t know. I don’t know if I can win another Grand Slam. I believe yes. I don’t know if I’m going to do it, but I can do it,” Nadal was quoted as saying by SkySports on Sunday.
“I’m going to work hard to create more opportunities in the next couple of years so let’s see if I’m able to relax, to control my emotions again and if that happens, and I believe it will happen soon because I feel much better, I’m going to find my level of tennis.”
Nadal believes he is approaching 100 percent fitness, but admitted he also had to overcome mental scars as on his return to competitive action.
“It was a tough year in terms of everything because I was playing with too much anxiety, especially at the beginning of the season,” he said. “Now I feel much better. Not 100 percent fit but much better. Close to being 100 per cent fit and I am enjoying it again. I’m enjoying being on the tennis court, enjoying, practicing and enjoying the competition because I don’t have that anxiety anymore,” the 29-year-old said.
Nadal also hailed Andy Murray as one of the “most talented” players he has encountered during his playing career but admits the Scott could have won a few more tournaments.
“He’s (Murray) a great guy, a natural guy and for me that is important. I am natural, I am honest with the people I’m talking to,” he said.
“If I’m playing bad I don’t create stories. Andy is similar. He is fair, he is honest and a very good guy. And at the same time he is one of the most talented players I have ever seen,” Nadal concluded. (IANS)
