(Doha, December 30 DPA.) - For the first time in over two years, Rafael Nadal feels no pain in his knees . A stem cell treatment completed a few weeks ago allows you to meet season with renewed optimism after the previous season got regain the number one playing much of the season with antiinflammatory.
"It's too early to know how much is definitive, because I've only been working three weeks. But it's the first time I have no pain in everyday life for more than two years ago, "Nadal said in Doha.
The Spanish tennis player revealed his renewed confidence in his knees hit the press conference prior to their participation in the tennis tournament in the capital of Qatar, which began today and tomorrow debuting against Czech Lukas Rosol.
In previous years, Nadal growth factor, a protein substance enriched plasma was injected , so the player considered "potentially crucial" to save his career.
The job now of stem cells that facilitate the recovery of cartilage is new he decided to incorporate the end of last season, in November, and so far the result is excellent, but Nadal was unable to give exact details of the nature the procedure.
"It's very important for me to be active, play other sports, for example. For now I'll take it easy "While at this time I could only play tennis and then rest," Nadal, who nevertheless delayed his return to football activities, said his other great passion. "
Nor Doha puts great demands on his first event of the year, a tournament he has never won after five appearances and which part as top seed.
"It's a good feeling to return to Qatar, where I am comfortable and I have good friends. I want to race from the start, but the truth is that I've only been training two and a half weeks, the first with no commute, and do not know how far I can get with the preparation that I carry, "said the world number one.
The goal, of course, be ready for the Australia Open, which starts in two weeks. Then, your calendar will take you to Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro - "South American Shore Season was a great experience last year and I want to repeat" - and then travel to Indian Wells and Miami, although subordinated their plans to changing their fitness.
Although holidays have included a tour of Argentina, a match in Prague and collected awards in Paris and Madrid, Nadal said he had plenty of time to rest in Mallorca.
As said, " the bad the current calendar is not the length, but the number of events that is required to play . " "It also seems logical to do certain acts for sponsors when time is available, or visit places you do not go during the season and where there are friends you would like to visit."
The Spanish player also positively commented on the growing presence of former champions, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker ... - coaching rivals, but ruled out any change in your own team.
" I'm the kind of person who thinks about 95 percent of the time if something goes wrong is my fault . Also, I have not fired anyone since I started my career, I've only changed the physio because I had wanted to spend more time with his family. At 27 and a half years and I do not think it's going to make any changes ... "he said.
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