Nadal: “the sport is not that difficult”

A philosophical Rafael Nadal is growing in confidence after a routine second round win at the China Open today.

The world No.1 recorded a 6-3 6-3 victory over rising Russian Karen Khachanov. Looking comfortable throughout the 89-minute match, Nadal saved all six break points he faced and only dropped 18 points on serve.

After needing to save two match points in his opening round win over Frenchman Lucas Pouille, the Spaniard was clearly pleased.

“I played better today,” Nadal said.

When the 31-year-old was asked in press about his improvement this season, especially on hard courts, he emphasised that confidence was key.

“When you are playing well, everybody talks about improvements or things that you are doing different,” he noted. “At the end of the day of course I try to improve my game, but the sport is not that difficult.

“If you are playing well, then you have more chances to win a lot of matches. If you are playing worse, the chances are much less. This year I have been playing well almost every week. That’s why I have been having lot of success. So today was a positive match for me again. That’s important for my confidence.”

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It is an omnious warning for his next opponent, John Isner. The big-serving American beat Nadal last month in the inaugural Laver Cup.

“So going to be a big one, big test for me. I know I have to play my best to have my chances,” Nadal said.

“Everybody knows the challenges about playing a big server: probably you will not have many chances on the return. But the thing is not only that. John is a very good player from the baseline, too. I saw him today. He played so aggressive, having a lot of success, hitting a lot of winners, returning very well.

“Everybody knows that he serve huge and is so difficult to break him. But if you add that he is playing very well now from the baseline, is one of the toughest opponents you can meet.”