Rafael Nadal aims for 28th Masters title in Rome

Fresh from winning the Madrid Masters for the fourth time on Sunday, world number one Rafael Nadal is back to business this week with the goal of securing his 28th Masters 1000 title in Rome this week. The 27-year old is attempting to win his eighth title at the Italian city.

The Spaniard revealed that he’s been doubting himself following back to back quarterfinal losses at the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open but a winning run in Madrid changed all that.

“I think in Madrid I played better than I had the two previous weeks,” said Nadal on Tuesday prior to his opening round match. “It’s true that wasn’t the case in the final, but the quarter-finals (against Tomas Berdych) and semi-finals (against Roberto Bautista Agut) were two good matches against two good, in-form players. It was good for my confidence.”

Nadal defeated newly-minted top ten player Kei Nishikori in the final at Caja Magica.

“In the end, even if it wasn’t the perfect way to win the final, it was a victory,” said Nadal, referring to Nishikori’s sudden exit in the third set due to injury. “When you win a tournament, when you win a Masters 1000, it’s always a good achievement and a positive thing. It gives you confidence and makes you more calm.”

Nadal enters the Rome Masters as a two-time defending champion.

“I’ve always had a great feeling here in Rome, since the first time I came in 2005,” said Nadal. “I remember that final (against Guillermo Coria) was one of the best memories I’ve had on tour. I’ve had good success here, winning seven times, losing one final. I’ve played a lot of matches here, important ones for me career.

“I practised yesterday a little bit later [in the day]. It’s true that the feeling is different than in Madrid,” continued Nadal. “Today it has been raining, so I haven’t been able to practise yet and it makes the conditions a little bit tougher. But I’ve always liked it here. I always play well at this tournament. I’m happy to be back in Rome.”

Nadal won his opening round match against Gilles Simon on Tuesday.