Intent on minimizing suffering, Rafael Nadal is considering streamlining his schedule.
The 32-year-old Spaniard, who played just nine tournaments last season while battling knee, hip and abdominal issues, said he hasn't yet decided on playing next week's Miami Open or the Mutua Madrid Open.
More: Nadal is Demolition Man
"Going to go in that direction always thinking about what's better for my future and for my body," Nadal told the media after dismissing Diego Schwartzman to reach the Indian Wells fourth round. "So I can't tell you one thing or another thing. I go day by day. And my calendar, we'll see weekly.
"Of course I'd love to be in Miami, and of course I'd love to be in Madrid, and I'd love to be everywhere. I can't be everywhere. But of course play in Madrid at home is always special."
The three-time Indian Wells champion said he aims to reduce the physical suffering he endured last year.
"I need to do the things the best way possible to avoid years, like last year have been a very tough year for me," Nadal said. "I suffered a lot in terms of injuries. So I want to try to suffer less, because mentally is tough to play only nine events per year and finish only seven.
"So that have been a tough one. If you play nine events because you only want to play nine events, good. But if you play nine events because you have been under a lot of troubles, then the situation is different."
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve