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Watch: Nadal On No Limits


Injuries limited Rafael Nadal to nine tournaments in 2018.

Poised to launch his 2019 season against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Brisbane, the second-ranked Spaniard said he accepts the suffering that comes from playing with pain while aiming to compete without limits.

Watch: Del Potro Pulls Out Of US Open

The 32-year-old Spaniard underwent ankle surgery in November.

"Pain, I always have pain," Nadal said. "It's not about having pain. It's not the goal for me don't have pain. I'm playing this sport and competing the highest level since 2004, 2005. I don't pretend to not play without pain. The only thing I pretend is to play without limitation."

The world No. 2 says sustaining health, rather than chasing the top spot, is his top priority.

"My goal is just to be happy doing what I am doing and be competitive all the weeks that I am playing," Nadal said. "I want to feel myself competitive every week that I am on court and I want to keep fighting for the things that really make me feel alive, you know, for the things that motivate me.

"So I will not (chase) the number one because it's not my main goal. Of course, I prefer to be number one than number two, and I prefer to be number two than number five, that's obvious."

The 17-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from the Australian Open quarterfinals and US Open semifinals last season, said his fierce fan support can be a panacea for pain and energy source.

"One of the things that you miss more when you are outside of the tour is when you walk on court and you feel the crowd support," Nadal said. "That moment, that feeling is very difficult to describe. It's one of the most special feelings that you can experience.

"The connection and the reaction with the fans, for me, has always been very important. Really, it sounds more or less stupid, but the energy of the people, the support of the people from everywhere that really helps you to keep going. To keep waking up every morning and go on court."

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

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