Despite a trophy-laden career, Nadal can strongly argue his career would have been even greater had he not suffered from so many injuries.
At the end of last year, Nadal underwent surgery on his ankle after having a disrupted end to the season due to an abdominal problem.
But he overcame those issues to reach the Australian Open final without dropping a set before eventually losing to Novak Djokovic.
This week, Nadal is in Acapulco for the start of the Mexican Open, twelve months after having to withdraw from the event through injury.
And in the first-round he will play German Mischa Zverev.
However, speaking in his pre-tournament press conference, Nadal revealed he has been struggling with a hand problem.
While there is no immediate suggestion the 32-year-old may have to exit the ATP 500 event again, he was apprehensive in comments.
“I spent a few days in Cozumel training [then] I made a bad movement with my hand and could not train,” he said.
“I try to take care of myself in the best possible way.
“Last year I played very little and I am trying to save matches and training to extend my career as much as possible.
“These are things that can not be controlled but today was almost my first day of training since I arrived.
“I am ready for tomorrow and I hope that the public will help me find the level that I have not found in training.
“Maybe today is not the day with the best feelings but I will try to do my best and hopefully next through to the next round.”
Rafael Nadal vs Mischa Zverev live stream – how to watch
Sky Sports have lost the rights to exclusive ATP Tour coverage last year.
As a result, coverage of the Mexican Open is being shown on Amazon Prime Video and Tennis TV.
On Amazon, you can sign up for a 30-day trial and cancel anytime. After the trial period, it will cost £7.99 per month.
On Tennis TV, for £9.99 per month you can watch the ATP Tour and up to 2,000 live matches a year plus, full access to replays and classic matches and can cancel any time.