Rafael Nadal had a few good performances at the start of 2017 but when compared to his closest rival Roger Federer, it is far from being great. He comes in with a 19-5 match record on the season with three runner-up placing, at the Australian Open where he lost to Roger Federer, in Acapulco to Sam Querrey and in Miami to Federer again.
Now that he's back on his best surface, he has the chance to prove his critics wrong. With the Monte Carlo Masters tournament happening this week, Nadal is setting his sights on winning the 10th crown. Just a year ago, he won his ninth title against Monfils. This is the sixth time since 2005 Nadal enters Monte-Carlo without an ATP World Tour title on the season.
"When you come back in a tournament where you have been so successful, memories are always special. I would like to win in Monte Carlo, and if I will be doing well, I will have my chances," he said.
After Monte Carlo, Nadal will be playing in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome before heading to Paris for the French Open where he will compete for his tenth title.
