Rafael Nadal Says He’s Mentally In Good Shape, But Will It Be Enough?

Rafael Nadal slump has been one of the major stories this season. The Spaniard has been far from his best as his ranking as fallen, now at No. 9 this week.

But Nadal did just win his first European clay title last week in Hamburg so he begins the summer hardcourt swing with some momentum and some confidence.

“It’s always about adapting your tennis. There’s a different way of hitting the ball, but at the end of the day it’s tennis. Hamburg had been a positive week for me. Mentally I was stable all week, something that I wasn’t able to do very often this season. My mental powers have been up and down more. Hamburg was not the case and I’m working well.

“This season I had so many important moments and I had the chance to get positive feelings in matches that I lost.”

The 3-time Canadian Open champion faces Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round Wednesday.

“I feel lucky for all the things that have happened in these 10 years (in Canada),” said Nadal. “I’ve enjoyed these great moments. In general, it’s been a fantastic 10 years for me and it’s great to be back in Montreal where I won twice. It’s a tournament that stays in my memory.”

Nadal is playing herhis third straight event on a different surface. Yesterday he teamed with Fernando Verdasco to win his doubles opener.