Nadal have to make a break

World number one Rafael Nadal has said all he needs is some rest to recover from the knee problem that hampered his performance in the World Indoor Tournament final in Rotterdam.

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Nadal lost 6-3 4-6 6-0 to Andy Murray on Sunday with his right knee causing him greater discomfort than the Briton's ankle complaint.

"It isn't the knee, it's lower down. It's a strain on a tendon that above all else stops me from serving well, but we are almost certain there won't be any problems," Nadal said.

The Spaniard is due to compete in Dubai next week and after that he has Spain's Davis Cup opener against Serbia in Benidorm starting on March 6.

"It won't be a problem for the Davis Cup," he added. "It's just a question of having a little rest. I also expect to be in Dubai but we shall see.

"The season has just started but I have already played a lot of games in a short space of time. It's a problem of muscular fatigue."

Reuters

Rafa in Rotterdam

Rafa doubles defeat

Rafael Nadal’s return to Ahoy Rotterdam earned him a standing ovation. In his quest for the title in the 36th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, he warmed up in the doubles. Although he and his partner, Ignacio Coll-Riudavets, lost 3-6, 4-6 against the French partnership of Arnaud Clément and Michael Llodra, the public was wildly enthusiastic about the appearance of the new Australian Open champion. Nadal demonstrated why he is the world number one by hitting some fabulous returns. The Spaniard plays his first singles match on Wednesday evening against the Italian, Simone Bolelli.

Another crowd puller, Andy Murray, was also in action in the doubles. He and his partner, James Auckland, were defeated 6-3, 6-4 by the Austrian, Julian Knowle and the Israeli, Andy Ram.