Nadal taking more care of his body

Rafael Nadal revealed he’s more careful with how he manages his body as his career progresses.

Chatting on television with former pro and friend Juan Monaco, who co-hosts the Argentinian program Con Amigos Asi, Nadal said improved physical health was one of the factors behind his return to the top of the sport.

Nadal is No.1 in the Race to the ATP Finals after a stellar season highlighted by his 10th title at Roland Garros – his first major trophy in three years.

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“The first thing is to maintain your ambition to do so, that’s the key,” said Nadal, as reported by Tennis360.

“Also my body, for a few months now, has been (cooperating), without that, it would have been practically impossible (to compete at a high level).

“And the truth is, last year I was at a high level before I got injured. I was in a position to go to Roland Garros and try and win it. I’m not saying I would have won it, but I was ready to compete to win it, but it wasn’t meant to be.

“Obviously I am being more careful (with my body) now than I was when I was younger. When I was younger, we didn’t know that, as young ones, we’re complicated and are doing a terrible job at taking care of ourselves.

“As you get older, you have the choice to be more conscious of everything needed to try to keep doing what you like.”

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This year, Nadal, currently ranked No.2, also won ATP Masters titles in Monte Carlo and Madrid and reached the final of the Australian Open; he is 46-7 in 2017.

The interview with Monaco also covered personal topics; the Argentine asked Nadal if, now at 30 years of age, he was considering having children with long-time partner Xisca Perello.

Nadal said that starting a family was not in his immediate plans while he was still competing, but added: “I would love to have children, boys, girls… I’m a person who loves kids and I’m a family guy.”