Nadal started the year with injury doubts due to abdominal and ankle problems.
But he was still able to come through those issues and reach the Australian Open final, where he was beaten by Novak Djokovic.
Nadal then arrived at the Mexico Open with finger problems and crashed out to Nick Kyrgios in the third round.
The world No 2 looked to have got over his injury woes when he eased through to the Indian Wells quarter-finals.
But the Spaniard began to struggle again with knee issues against Karen Khachanov.
Although Nadal was able to still beat Khachanov, he pulled out of the eagerly anticipated semi-final against Roger Federer and withdrew from the Miami Open.
However after a break to recover, Nadal begun training on the clay and is ready to defend his title and win for an incredible 12th time.
Speaking at the draw ceremony where it was revealed he could face Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round, Nadal was asked about his health.
And the 32-year-old gave an honest response about his trials and tribulations.
He said: “[I feel] good. This beginning of the season has been a little bit tough for me in terms of problems.
“I went through some hard times if I’m being honest.
“This is always tough to accept like what happened in Indian Wells.
“But the only way is to keep going, keep trying with passion, even if it is tough to accept, tough to wake up again, stand up again and try.
“Hopefully I will start on Wednesday so I have at least four more days to practice.”