Rafael Nadal won tonight convincingly over countryman Albert Montanes 61, 62 in the second round at the Rio Open. But afterward, Nadal once again made mention of injuries that continue to plague him, specially the back he first hurt during the Australian Open final loss to Stanislas Wawrinka.
“When you get injured in the final of a Grand Slam and stop for 2 1/2 weeks it’s not easy to come back,” Nadal said. “The back is still bothering me a little bit. But I am happy with my decision to be here.”
With his 25 match clay win streak on the line, Nadal will play tomorrow in the quarterfinals against Joao Sousa. The Portuguese Sousa works under Francisco Roig who sometimes coaches Nadal.
“I think I have played better than my previous match,” said Nadal. “This Friday I will try to play even better, more aggressive, looking for the winners. I haven’t played on clay for a long time and I need to find my level little by little.”
Tommy Robredo, Fabio Fognini and David Ferrer are also in quarterfinal play on Friday at the inaugural event.
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