CAMELOT FANTASIES

 BNP PARIBAS OPEN 2015
Nadal Has Fun With Friends On Doubles Court
Indian Wells, U.S.A.

by ATP Staff

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2015/03/11/Indian-Wells-Monday-Nadal-Reaction.aspx


Six of the Top 10 players on the ATP World Tour opted to enter the doubles draw at the BNP Paribas Open. World No. 3 Rafael Nadal is part of that elite group, partnering with countryman Pablo Carreno Busta.

Unlike many singles specialists dabbling in doubles, Nadal has had great success playing with a partner. He joined with another fellow Spaniard, Marc Lopez, to capture the Indian Wells crown in 2010 and 2012. He has already won a doubles title this year in Doha with Juan Monaco.

The key for Nadal is choosing his partners wisely.

“When I am playing doubles I try to do it with good friends,” he said. “Here with Pablo, we are enjoying it. We have fun. We go on court and we try our best, and we can win, we can lose. It's a little bit different than singles. We play more relaxed, and it works a lot.”

Speaking of Nadal’s buddies, the Spaniard will meet up with his former partner in his second-round doubles match on Monday—except Lopez will be on the other side of the net.

When asked why the two aren’t gunning for a third title this year, Nadal laughed as he responded.

“He doesn't want to play with me anymore, so...I need to play against him now,” he said, smiling. “I want all the best for Marc. He's probably my closest friend on tour. It's not a comfortable situation [to play against each other], but at the end, we are professionals.

“We are in the same room here, so we sleep in different beds but together. And that's the sport! For the first time in our career, we are going to play against each other. We are going to try our best and hope it will be a good match.”

As much as Nadal enjoys the more relaxed atmosphere on the doubles court, he is quick to laud the benefits for his singles play.

“Doubles is great practise for singles players,” said the three-time Indian Wells singles champion. “Playing doubles, you practise the serve, you can return a little bit more aggressive, you practise the volley, you practise the movements on the volley.”

But there is one thing Nadal can't practise when he's playing doubles.

“Well, the doubles does not help my golf, because playing doubles, I play less golf,” he explained. “Probably tomorrow I will have the chance to play golf and practise. Playing doubles, I don't get to play golf.

“But, I am here to play tennis. I enjoy playing golf when I have the chance. I had the chance to play a couple of rounds of golf here before the tournament.”