Nadal on not playing since US Open: “Not easy to come back on the Tour after a while"

As Nadal's main contester for the no.1 spot Novak Djokovic, Rafa also played a French player in his first match in France. Nadal defeated Mannarino 7-5 and 6-4 and after the match he spoke about his opponent.

“I know how dangerous Adrian is in this court. The court here is fast, the bounce is low, so I think is a perfect court for him,” Nadal said. “So I went on court knowing it [was] going to be very tough one. I needed to play well, and I think I did. My serve worked very well during the whole match. I think I played at the right level."

Nadal also spoke about coming back after almost 2 months of not playing on Tour. Nadal played at the US Open the last time and in between he also played 1 match at the Laver Cup.

“Not easy to come back on the Tour after a while without being on the Tour. And playing in this surface... and against a very dangerous opponent, in the first round for me, second for him. So [I' m] very happy with the victory.”

“[I'm] very happy [with] the way that I served. I think I didn't face a break point during the whole match, and against a player who returns well. So that means a lot,” Nadal said. “Feelings are good. To be back in this court is always special.”