Rafael Nadal’s 2016 campaign has gotten off to a similarly inauspicious beginning after he also started slowly last season. Although Nadal concluded 2015 in decent enough form, this year includes a blowout loss to Novak Djokovic in the Doha final and a first-round Australian Open setback at the hands of Fernando Verdasco in a five-setter.
The world No. 5 is now returning to clay in hopes of rebuilding his confidence in advance of hard-court Masters 100- events in Indian Wells and Miami. Buenos Aires was certainly kind to Nadal in 2015, as he captured the title without dropping a single set and four of his eight contested sets were no closer than 6-1. This is the Spaniard’s third career appearance at this event (the only man to beat him is Gaston Gaudio–in the 2005 quarterfinals).
Nadal’s first match this week could come against good friend and 2015 runner-up Juan Monaco, which would mean Nadal plays back-to-back matches in Buenos Aires against the same opponent–albeit in different years. Monaco has been out since last summer because of a wrist injury.
“These are new feelings after seven months away from the circuit, but I feel good after having a long time to recover,” the 31-year-old Argentine commented. “I’m thankful I can return here in Buenos Aires because it’s one of the tournaments I like the most. It’s a nice way to pass the time. It was very enjoyable to play with the kids. They are fans of tennis and it’s always fun to meet them and visit these beautiful spots around Buenos Aires.”
Nadal and Monaco are part of a brutal top half of the bracket that is also home John Isner, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Dominic Thiem. David Ferrer and Jo-Wilfried may not have as many challengers on the other side of the draw.
[polldaddy poll=9301402]
WNW?
(will nadal win)
of course he will.
That’s the crappiest draw for Monaco. Say goodbye to your top 60 ranking, Juan.
at least he has a chance to win his first match. Cant expect that much more than that after 7 months off regardless of the draw.
True.
Miaow