Rafael Nadal: 'Federer and Djokovic withdrawals do not make things easier'

Rafael Nadal believes that Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer's withdrawals in Montreal will not make things easier in his attempt to retain the Rogers Cup title he won last year.

“When I get to a tournament, I try to work on my things and work on my game.

It doesn’t matter whether Novak or Roger are here or not here.

There are many great players here, so I have to just prepare myself as soon as possible and be ready for the action", said Nadal speaking on Sunday in a press conference.

Nadal also praised the local hero Felix Auger-Aliassime:

“I like his character. He’s a very well-educated and nice guy. He’s very passionate about the sport.

He’s one of the players that I would love to see at the top position and winning trophies because I think he deserves it”.

Asked if he's figured out a way to reduce the strain of these courts on his body, Nadal replied:

"I think I did a lot. I play a different way today than 10 years ago of course. Sometimes it's lucky, sometimes it's because I am 33 years old, not 25 anymore.

That's it. Hard courts are tougher for the body than clay or grass.

There are not many professional sports that compete on such hard surfaces like this one", concluded the world No. 2, who will open his run against Alex De Minaur or a qualifier.