Nadal looks to keep momentum on clay

MADRID, May 6 (AP): Patience paid off for Rafael Nadal. It was Nadal's mental resilience, not his intimidating topspin forehand, that helped the top-ranked Spaniard overcome a difficult injury layoff and get off to an impressive start to his season on clay.
Nadal will be playing in the Madrid Open this week trying to add to his titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, and stay on track for yet another French Open title.
"I was patient and had the right attitude to try to get to the clay season as fit as possible," Nadal said. "Coming into the clay season having played only four matches is not the ideal preparation, but to be honest, I feel that I've been playing well."
Nadal was out of action earlier for a couple of months earlier this year because of a lingering right hip injury that forced him to retire in the Australian Open quarterfinals and kept him from playing in Indian Wells, Miami and Acapulco. "They were difficult times. I feel like I've missed a lot of important opportunities in my career (because of injuries).
I counted all the majors in which I was not able to compete in normal conditions and there were a lot," Nadal said. "They are unpleasant times. To make it through it, you have to be patient."
Nadal returned to action in the Davis Cup quarterfinals to help Spain defeat Germany, then went on to win in his 11th Monte Carlo title and 11th Barcelona title.
"If my body keeps responding well and I win matches, I think I'm ready," he said. Nadal has been winning with ease since returning to the courts.
He was never really challenged in Monte Carlo or Barcelona, and arrives in Madrid carrying a winning streak of 46 straight sets on clay. The 16-time Grand Slam champion has won 36 of his last 37 matches on the surface, including 19 straight. His last loss on the dirt came against Dominic Thiem in Rome last year.