Injuries have hampered Nadal is 2019, with problems in Acapulco and Indian Wells and he admits it has been hard for him.
“In terms of tennis, I can’t complain much. Every time that I played I have been in a position to win tournaments,” said Nadal.
“Life has been too good for me to be frustrated. But yes, at some point, even if I appreciate all the things that this sport has given me and this life has given to me, sometimes it’s tough to accept when you have problems in a row and this year since the beginning of the season has been tough.
“But I think almost every time I’ve had a chance to be back I’ve been able to be very competitive and I hope to keep my level.”
RAFAEL NADAL VS ROBERTO BAUTISTA AGUT LIVE
FIRST SET
*Nadal 5-0 Roberto Bautista Agut
In just 22 minutes, Nadal leads 5-0. Ominous for Bautista Agut and the rest of the ATP Tour.
Nadal 4-0 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Glorious drop shot from Nadal moves him to 15-40.
And the second seed gets the double break with a sensational whipped cross court forehand.
Bautista Agut has no answer at the moment to Nadal.
*Nadal 3-0 Roberto Bautista Agut
Nadal at his vintage best as he drags Bautista Agut all over the court in this games.
Bautista Agut does well to get an error from Nadal after chasing down a drop shot. But Nadal sees the game out with a smash at the net.
Nadal 2-0 Roberto Bautista Agut*
Early danger signs for Bautista Agut as he slips 15-30 down. Then a backhand long gives Nadal two break points.
Nadal mishits the return on the first break point. But Bautista Agut nets a forehand to gift Nadal an early break.
*Nadal 1-0 Roberto Bautista Agut
Lengthy first point to open the match ends with a Nadal backhand winner.
And the world No 2 holds comfortably to open the match.
14:05: Nadal to serve first…
13:55: The players are on the court and Nadal receives a huge ovation from the crowd.
13:42: It is all over between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime. And it is the German who has come out on top winning 6-1 6-4. Nadal on next.
13:30: Hello and welcome to live coverage of Rafael Nadal’s opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters against Roberto Bautista Agut.
This match will follow Alexander Zverev’s clash with Auger-Aliassime concludes.