Rafael Nadal made a much-anticipated return to tennis in February, embarking on a Latin American tour to help his ailing body readjust to competition. The move proved wise, though it would still be a slow start for the Spaniard, who was lacking confidence and was a bit rusty in his first matches. He had to battle his way through the draw, but the drought of big names and the fact that he was playing on his beloved red dirt have helped him make the final. Somehow surprisingly, he lost the showdown to unknown Argentinean Horacio Zeballos, but as they says, you can lose a battle, but still win the war.
That's exactly what Rafa did, though he had to pass a stiff test in Sao Paulo first. Visibly shaken by the state of his knee, Rafa considered retiring at one point, fearing he could sustain another injury on those damaged courts. However, he toughed it out and was rewarded for his braveness. He made the final and this time around he was victorious, defeating his doubles partner, Argentinean David Nalbandian, in straight sets. He continued the winning run in Acapulco, where he completely dismantled his good friend, David Ferrer, in the final. It was such a convincing performance from the Spaniard, that it clearly signalled that the almighty Rafa is back.
Following such a busy schedule, Nadal thought about delaying his hardcourt return by skipping the two Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. Last minute, he decided to give his body a challenge and he entered the draw in Indian Wells. The Spaniard again took a while to readjust. His fighting spirit was high as always though as he dug himself out of a big rabbit hole in his fourth round tie against rejuvenated teen sensation, Ernest Gulbis. After dropping the opener, he managed to come back, sealing a hard-fought 4-6,6-4,7-5 victory. The win proved a turning point though as it brought out Nadal's best game. Showing glimpses of his vintage best, the Spaniard eclipsed arch-rival, Roger Federer, as well as in-form Czech, Tomas Berdych, to make the final.
As promising as Nadal's ride has been up to this stage, I actually expected Juan Martin del Potro to claim the crown. The Argentinean was enjoying a dream fortnight in the desert and was riding high following his stunning victories over US Open champion, Andy Murray, and world No.1, Novak Djokovic. Things looked on course for such an ending, but the Giant's inexplicable stumble gave the Spaniard the chance he's been waiting for. In true Rafa style, he did not let this opportunity slip, turning the momentum in his favour. To the disappointment of his opponent, Rafa proved unstoppable as he raced to an impressive 4-6,6-3,6-4 win. The Spaniard broke the record he shared with Federer, collecting his 22nd Masters 1000 crown.
It's been a tough journey, but Nadal has shown he is ready to defend his French Open title, i.e. his main objective for the season. He will take a break now in order to rest before the European clay-court season where he needs to defend titles in Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Rome.
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| While many were questioning his decision to return to hardcourts so early in his comeback, Nadal got the most of his trip to Indian Wells by winning the title. It was a tough week, but the Spaniard secured a record 22nd Masters crown by defeating Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro in the final. |
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| Nadal made a return to the winners cycle by claiming the Sao Paulo title. In the final, he defeated Argentinean David Nalbandian. |
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| He continued his successful return to tennis, by dismantling compatriot and good friend, David Ferrer, in the final to claim a second consecutive trophy, winning the Acapulco Open. |
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