The world number two is already in Monte Carlo to try to win its eighth straight title. As main rivals, the usual: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
The Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, number two in the ATP ranking, reaches Monte Carlo Masters, which begins today with little training, but no pain in his left knee, ready to win his eighth consecutive title in Monaco.
In an interview published today by the Italian sports daily `La Gazzetta dello Sport´, the Spaniard tennis player recognizes that perhaps the greatest threat to its supremacy Monaco is Novak Djokovic, world No. 1, but remember not to keep an eye to Swiss Roger Federer, third in the ATP.
"I have come to Monte Carlo with little training, but luckily no pain in his left knee. The injury was not like before. I´m ready," said Ronaldo, who resigned to play the semifinals of the tournament in Miami in late March to not to worsen their symptoms.
Nadal admits he was "very proud" to have managed to win seven consecutive times the Monte Carlo Masters, a result, he says, he believes it is "difficult to reach." "It means being at the highest level against the best for seven years in a row in a tournament as important, rich in tradition and difficult, because it is the first of the season on land against the strongest," he says.
"The first win is always a special place, but each has a different memory about my other trophies. Keep in mind that I happened to come from nearly 10 months without a title and after winning Monte Carlo to return to the path of victory. This happened in 2008 and again in 2009, I hope so too this year, "he adds.
Among its major rivals in Monte Carlo, as well as Federer and Djokovic, Nadal does not rule Andy Murray, No. 4 world ranking and against whom he could not meet in the semifinals in Miami for that knee injury.
"All three are level, though perhaps at this time Nole is a step above. He has shown in 2011 and in 2012 with the titles it has pocketed. But Federer Federer is always, and it just proved Indian Wells, "said the Spanish champions.