Despite his unprecedented success on clay, Rafael Nadal says he does not practice on it and needs to adjust to the surface when the clay season begins.
"Let's not forget I only play five or six tournaments on clay a year," he told reporters in Monte Carlo. "The rest of the time I play on hard courts. I do not practice on clay, so I need time to make adjustments to my game to find my rhythm. I have to learn once again how to set up points to achieve victory."
But Nadal acknowledged that the transition is easier for him than most players. The Spaniard won Monte Carlo eight straight times to kick off the European clay season, before Novak Djokovic defeated him in the final last year.
"It's easier for me than for the guys who started playing on hard courts when they were young,” said the world No. 1.
Once again, he is ready for another attempt at domination. "I don't know where I am, but I feel good," said Nadal. "My practices have gone well."