Rafael Nadal (Photo : Getty Images)
Despite admitting about a potential wrist injury suffered in Madrid last week, Rafael Nadal is confident about his form in Rome, insisting that he is playing at a "very high level."
Nadal successfully opened his bid for an eighth Italian Open title after cruising past Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 6-3 in Round of 32.
The fifth-seeded Nadal, who next faces Australia's Nick Kyrgios in the third round of the Italian Open, said he was satisfied with his forehand shot while playing the 32-year-old German, insisting that his overall game has significantly improved after a somewhat positive campaign in the clay-season that saw the Mallorcan winning back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
"I think I played at a very high level in all aspects," Nadal said, reports Tennis World USA.
"I think especially with the forehand down the line, that is very important shot for me. In Madrid I miss it. It worked great tonight. And I feel like I practiced well these two days, and I started very good the tournament."
However, there are concerns whether Nadal is competing in full health at the Foro Italico after appearing in training sessions in Madrid and Rome with a taped left wrist.
The 29-year-old Nadal confirmed it was something he felt during his stint at the Madrid Open, where he lost against Andy Murray in the semifinal round. But according to Spanish media outlet Marca, Nadal's wrist problem was picked up towards the end of the Miami Open last month, which the Spaniard also nursed in the Spanish capital.
"Well, I had something in Madrid," Nadal said. "I felt something in Madrid. But that's it, I hope. Hopefully is nothing important."
Nadal has not won a major title since his French Open victory in 2014, when he stopped career rival Novak Djokovic in their final round clash. However, all signs point to the Spaniard making an impressive run in the second Grand Slam event of the year, considering his somewhat vintage form he fully displayed in the past two weeks.
While a success in Rome would be beneficial for Nadal's confidence heading into Roland Garros, it behooves him to be injury-free when he hits the clay-season tournament finale in Paris later this month.
