• Barcelona Open

Cautious Nadal determined to avoid déjà vu

ESPN staff
April 20, 2010
Rafael Nadal is the five-time defending champion © Getty Images
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Rafael Nadal insists he is not suffering from an injury after pulling out of the Barcelona Open.

The world No. 3 dropped just one match on his way to a thumping 6-0 6-1 victory over Fernando Verdasco on Sunday to win the Monte Carlo Masters for a sixth straight year, but he admitted his exploits in Monaco had taken its toll.

Nadal, who was sidelined for two months with knee problems after the Australian Open, insisted he was not suffering with a repeat injury, but had opted to withdraw from the event in order not to overdo things.

"Obviously, I intended to play here," Nadal told the press on Tuesday. "I am fine, but I don't want a repeat of what happened last year.

"Tennis is not like football where you know which matches you are going to play and plan for matches rather than tournaments. If I had played in Monte Carlo and lost on Wednesday, I would be playing here today."

Nadal, who will not defend the title he has won the last five years was vowed to return to his home event next year.

"It is a huge blow not to play here, Barcelona is my home club," Nadal said. "I have won here the last five years. But last year was not a good experience for me and I think playing three weeks in a row is not the best thing for me.

"Next year the calendar is more favourable - there is a week's break between Barcelona and Rome, and I will play here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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