Nadal: We want more freedom
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China Daily, October 13, 2011
Rafael Nadal doesn't need a formal meeting to speak his mind.
The ten-time Grand Slam champion said on Tuesday the ATP needs to allow players more freedom to pick their own tournaments as a respite from the overcrowded schedule.
Talk around the ongoing Shanghai Masters has focused on a possible players meeting, reportedly proposed by Andy Murray, to discuss trimming what's become a long season.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain during their second-round match at the 2011 Shanghai Rolex Masters at the Qizhong Tennis Center in Shanghai on Wednesday. Nadal won 6-3, 6-2. [China Daily] |
Neither Murray nor Nadal wanted to release any details about such a meeting, but the former world No 1 strongly suggested there are too many mandatory events.
"About the schedule, we would like to have more freedom to chose tournaments based on our own conditions," Nadal said during the Bacardi Limited "Champions Drink Responsibly" campaign held in Shanghai.
"There are too many mandatory tournaments on the schedule now. If we get more freedom, it will be better to keep fresh all year long.
"It's a pity to miss out on top stars in Shanghai. I hope they will consider more of the players arranging the schedule."
After an epic 2010 season in which he grabbed every Grand Slam title except the Australian Open, Nadal seemed worn out this year. He lost several big matches, including the Wimbledon and US Open finals against Serbian reigning No 1 Novak Djokovic.
Representing his country during breaks in his schedule has added to the burden.
The Davis Cup quarterfinals are the week after Wimbledon, while the semifinals are the week after the US Open.
Still, the Spaniard remains upbeat.
"It's not one of the most demanding moments. I am happy about how I am doing. You cannot expect to play perfect every time," Nadal said. "I did very well this year, not perfect. That's why I lost a few important matches.
"I understand that it can be positive for the future or negative. The only thing that is going through my mind now, I have enough power to keep practicing hard, enough motivation to keep trying my best and find solutions to be a better player for next year."
Nadal lost to Murray, his top competition in Shanghai, at the Japan Open in Tokyo last week.
Appearing at the Bacardi activity as its global ambassador, Nadal's goal was to educate consumers on responsible drinking.
