Rafael Nadal still concerned about knee problems as claycourt season begins

World number two Rafael Nadal admitted that he’s still concerned about his troublesome left knee and with the claycourt season in full swing, this could be a major issue.

Nadal is attempting to win his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters title this week in Monaco. He’s aiming to end a title drought. His last victory was at the 2011 Roland Garros where he defeated Roger Federer in the final.

Nadal withdrew at the Sony Ericsson Open semifinals last month after getting treatment for a knee tendon problem. He also did not participate in a series of tournaments after his loss at the Australian Open final earlier this year.

“It’s OK now. (I need) time to see how it is at the top level, run without thinking about the knee, when I put all my pressure on the knee,” Nadal said.

“It’s the start of the clay-court season for me, and hopefully it will work well,” he added.

The 10-time Grand Slam champion said he’s expecting tough competition this week since he hasn’t got a lot of practice since he had to rest his knees.