Rafael Nadal has pinpointed his famed forehand as the shot he needs to improve to get back to his previous level.
“I think my most important shot is the forehand," he was quoted as saying in an interview on Brazilian television. "My backhand is also an important shot, and when I play it well I open up the court most and have more opportunities … But I also know what has been lacking in my game the most recently is confidence in the forehand."
Nadal acknowledged he has been looking to play more offensively—not to avoid long matches and injuries, but to be more effective against opponents.
"I do it to have maximum success possible in every tournament," he said. "We have tried to adapt to modern times and opponents, and nowadays I think I have to come forward more."
In a press conference, Nadal also said he had "a stomach problem all week” in Buenos Aires.