PHOTOS/VIDEO: 2018 Monte-Carlo Masters R2 Rafael Nadal vs. Aljaz Bedene

2018 Monte-Carlo Masters R2 Rafael Nadal bt. Aljaz Bedene  6/1 6/3

Next opponent - Karen Khachanov 

Monte-Carlo (AFP): World No 1 Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday that he doesn't see himself following in Roger Federer's footsteps and playing a curtailed schedule in an attempt to lengthen his career.

"Of course, during the years, when you get older, you need to adjust a little bit more the efforts and the calendar," said the 16-time Grand Slam champion after a second-round Monte Carlo Masters win over Aljaz Bedene. 

"But for me, it's difficult to say I am not going to play, for example, grass, or I'm not going to play hard."

"There are tournaments that I can't imagine missing on purpose because they are the tournaments that I love to play," added Nadal, a two-time Wimbledon champion.

"So I don't see myself missing Monte Carlo on purpose. I don't see myself missing Wimbledon on purpose, or the US Open, or Australian, or Rome. These kinds of events I don't see (myself) missing."

Despite cruising past Bedene 6-1, 6-3 on Wednesday, Nadal says he still needs more matches under his belt.

"When you play matches, you feel more comfortable, you feel safer with your body, you feel stronger, too, physically," he said.

"You feel less tired because you get used to the high intensity. Normal feelings that when you play more in a row, feelings are easier."

Photos: AFP; Getty Images; EPA; REUTERS; ICONSPORT; Sipa USA

• Highlights

• Best shots of the match

• Post-match interview