Rafael Nadal has put the pain of his opening-round Australian Open exit behind him and returns to tournament play in Buenos Aires this week with "maximum expectations" for the spring season.
The reigning Argentina Open champion will open defense of his title against either good buddy Juan Monaco, the 2015 runner-up, or Italian qualifier Marco Cecchinato.
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"Each year is different but I have maximum expectations for Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Indian Wells and Miami," Nadal told the media in his pre-tournament presser. "I get motivation by concentrating on what I'm doing on a day-to-day basis. I'm preparing myself for a good season. I didn't like my defeat in Australia but there's nothing I can do about that now. I can only look towards the future and continue working hard."
The fifth-ranked Spaniard expressed sympathy for rival Roger Federer, who is sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus last week.
"I am very sorry for him," Nadal told the media. "It seems like it's nothing too complicated and won't keep him out for too long. I hope it all goes well and that he recovers soon."
Photo credit: Argentina Open Facebook