HOME    NEWS    SPECIAL REPORT    PHOTO    COMMENTARY    VOICE
NEWS > Sports
Nadal says going through great sporting moment
2007-04-29 03:23:51 Xinhua English

MADRID, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Rafael Nadal, who won his third consecutive Godo tennis final on Sunday, said he was experiencing the best moment in his sporting career.

Nadal, who beat Argentina's Guillermo Canas 6-3, 6-4, said when he went eight months without winning a tournament he experienced some "difficult times" but says that he now feels better than ever.

"After Dubai there was a change in my game and the Indian Wells victory was important for me to recover confidence," he told media.

He said he had improved his volleying and his backhand, but said he still had areas to polish.

"If Roger Federer has room for improvement, I imagine that I have too," suggesting that more aggressing and a better serve are goals.

Nadal, rated number two worldwide, has registered 72 games without a loss, matching the record set by tennis legend Mats Wilander, the only other player to win three Godos in a row, starting in 1982.

"I have always said that Godo... makes me most excited. Winning here, in my club, for the third year in a row is a dream come true. When I won the first time it felt incredible. Imagine three in a row," he said.

Nadal also described his Sunday rival, Guillermo Canas, as a wall. "If you are not patient, you cannot beat him, because he makes you fail. You can't lose control on the first, second or third error," he said.

He also said he was pleased to see Canas return to competition in good condition, after 15 months away from competition due to a doping charge.

"I have known Willy a long time. He is a good friend and I believe him when he says he never planned to cheat. In any case, Iam glad to see him back, because if you go a year and a half without playing you have to have incredible mettle to continue training and keep your motivation," he said.

MORE NEWS
Pistons eliminate Orlando Magic from NBA playoffs  
Spurs down Nuggets for 2-1 lead in NBA playoffs  
Russia, Italy win all-around titles at European Gymnastics  
Nadal to play Canas for Barcelona Open final  
Sweden start to defend title in ice hockey worlds  
4 players banned one year, 2 teams kicked out by CAF  
Man United storms back to beat Everton 4-2  
GM to provide zero-emission cars to Vancouver Olympics  

SINA English is the English-language destination for news and information about China. Find general information on life, culture and travel in China through our news and special reports£¬or find business partners through our online Business Directory. For investment opportunities with SINA, please click the link "Investor" below.
| About SINA | Investor | Media Kit | Comments or Question? |
Copyright © 1996- SINA Corporation, All Rights Reserved