'My body is like an old machine' - Rafael Nadal laments 'all the issues' ahead of Italian Open campaign

Rafael Nadal has lamented «all the issues I went through in my career» as he attempts to get up to speed at the Italian Open. The Australian Open champion has endured a spate of injuries since his memorable triumph at Melbourne Park and is preparing for the French Open in Paris later this month. Ad/> The 35-year-old, who has 21 Grand Slam singles titles to his name, is in last-32 action on Wednesday in Rome having been seeded number three for the clay-court event.

ATP RomeNadal, Ruud, Sabalenka — who needs a big week in Rome?6 HOURS AGO Speaking ahead of his tilt at glory at the ATP Masters event, Nadal bemoaned the fact that «my body is like an old machine» after comparing himself to his young compatriot, Carlos Alcaraz, by saying «a new car always looks better». «When you're six weeks without touching a racquet and having the chance to move your body… my body is like an old machine. To put this machine on again it takes some time,» Nadal told reporters at the event.

«It's not the same when you're 19 than when you are almost 36, with all the issues I went through in my career. »You need to build again the confidence, your movements, then you start feeling comfortable with your tennis. «It's more about being confident with my movements, recover the speed, recover the way that I have to play on clay and let's see.

»I'm confident that I can play well. I need time, but maybe this week can be a positive week, maybe not. Who knows?" 'A new car always looks better' — Nadal admits Alcaraz provides a welcome upgrade 'Get off the court' — Shapovalov explains explosive 'shut the f*** up!' rant at fans Swiatek's dilemma, Raducanu's accidental swear and Shapovalov's lesson — Rome diary Nadal lost out to his great rival, Novak