Rafael Nadal: It’s Fantastic to be Back in Monte Carlo [Video]

The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, is back on his favorite surface. Nadal spoke to the press on Sunday, here’s his ATP interview ahead of the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters 1000 tennis tournament.

The World No. 1 hasn’t won a title since last fall leaving the door slightly open for the streaking Novak Djokovic to pass him.

Speaking during a media round table, Nadal addressed the No. 1 race.

“Of course, it’s very open,” Nadal said. “Roger has a chance; Djokovic as well. I have some advantage in the ATP Rankings for now, but you never know how things will turn out. Novak is playing extremely well. He’s got a huge potential and he’s on a winning streak which gives him a lot of confidence. So we’ll see at the end of the year who will be No. 1.”

Rafa opens his clay season against either French qualifier Julien Benneteau or Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen. Nadal has won Monte Carlo six straight times!

Yesterday, Nadal made a special visit to the Palace of Monaco where he met with with HSH Prince Albert II.

“Thank you for the invitation; it was an honour to come to the Palace of Monaco and a pleasure to meet with HSH Prince Albert II,” said Nadal. “He is a big supporter of the tournament and I want to thank him for everything.”