Nadal serves up success secrets

Plagued by injuries that caused a dip in form the past season, Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal Sunday expressed optimism he can still regain the form that vaulted him to the top of men’s tennis.

Nadal, ranked world No. 5, is in the country for the first time to play in the International Premier Tennis League. He said he has been toiling the past six months in a bid to make it back to No. 1 next year.

“I believe I played well in the last few months of the season,” said Nadal during a brief press conference ushering in a clinic at Colegio San Agustin Gym in Makati. “Hopefully, I can sustain that and be in good shape heading into the Australian Open.”

Nadal was joined in the clinic by uncle and coach, Toni Nadal. Organized by Topspin Ace PH and Globe Telecom, the clinic drew players 6 to 16 years old.

The 29-year-old 14-time Grand Slam champion said he is launching the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy in Mallorca, Spain, in March next year.

“We hope to see a few Filipinos in the academy,” added Nadal, who interacted and played a few games with clinic participants.

He said his success in tennis did not come easy, pointing out the long hours spent on the practice courts.

“It’s the work we put in every day,” said Nadal.

“It’s important to be surrounded by the right people and having a lot of support. I believe I have the right motivation. But Toni (Nadal) helped me play with a lot of intensity.”

While rivals like Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have pushed him to the limit, Nadal said his drive to succeed comes internally.

“I wanted to be better,” he said. “I just want to improve my level, day by day, year by year. It’s true that having great players in front of you improves you. But my motivation was always personal and my desire to improve.”