An Ear Infection Prevented Rafael Nadal From Playing Tuesday In Madrid

During his pre-tournament presser in Madrid yesterday, Rafael Nadal revealed he’s been fighting an ear infection since Friday. Nadal isn’t overly concerned about the issue, which he says is improving, but it did force him to ask for a Wednesday start instead of playing today.

“Happened on Friday night. I wake up 3 in the morning with pain on the ear,” Nadal said. “I am still practicing. But today little bit better than yesterday. But still bothering me. Is something new for me. I never had. Is something that it really bothers a lot because is pain all around and on the head. Sometimes you get dizzy little bit with that.

“But it’s fine. I visit the doctor two days ago. Is nothing important. Just takes little bit long, few days. Hopefully going to be good. I supposed to play Tuesday. That was the idea, I think. That was my goal. But with that probably going to be much better play Wednesday.”

Nadal comes into the event off of back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

“I’m very happy because of the start of the year, not only because of the start of the clay season. I think in general it’s been some very good months,” Nadal said.

“I think what I have achieved in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona is something great. It’s very difficult to do. We’re here to play another tournament, a very different tournament. It’s very important for all of us, especially for me, because it’s very special for me to play at home once again.”

Nadal will open his bid for a fourth Madrid title against the pesky Fabio Fognini.