Returning 11-time major winner Rafael Nadal admits he’s still suffering pain from the knee injury which kept him out for more than six months.
The Spaniard returned to tennis last week and finished runner-up in both the singles and doubles at the VTR Open in Vina del Mar, Chile.
Nadal was beaten in the singles final by Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
“The knee is still bothering me but you have to face adversity with the best possible face and look forward to keep working and enjoy what I like the most, to play tennis,” Nadal said after the defeat.
Nadal reflected on the tournament as a success as he continues his return to tennis.
“The tennis is important but for me the best thing was to have the feelings I’ve had this week, with a full stadium and one of the best crowds I’ve ever had in my life,” Nadal said.
“It’s a place I won’t forget because of the love people gave me. I was two points away from winning the title but I said from first day that the result was not the most important thing, although I would’ve liked to win.
“My opponent won, he deserved it and I congratulate him. Still, to win four matches in a row is good news for me.”