PHOTOS/VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Media Day at the China Open 2017

“Is true that this event is tough. There is a lot of great players. I have a very tough first round against Lucas. Let's see,” Nadal said.

“Hopefully he will not finish the season that well because I play tomorrow against him,” Nadal joked.

“Tomorrow is an important day for me. Is a tough start, a difficult one. Let's see. But I am focus on try to be ready for tomorrow. I think I practiced well, so let's see tomorrow what can happen.”

“(The) good thing is I keep having the passion for the game and the love for what I am doing and the spirit of overcome tough situations in terms of physical issues."

“(I have) the spirit of improvement: every day when I wake up, going on court with the goal of doing something better than what I was doing. 

“Every time that I go to any event,’ Nadal said. “My goal is try to play my best and to try to go for everything.”

Source: China Open

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(AFP) Rafael Nadal said on Monday he was stunned and felt like crying following a banned independence referendum in Catalonia and a police crackdown.

Dozens of people were injured and Nadal said: "I want to cry when I see a country where we have known how to co-exist and be a good example to the rest of the world get to a situation like this.

"I think the image we have presented to the world is negative."

The 16-time Grand Slam winner added: "It was a sad moment, my heart sank all day.

"Moreover, from here, at a distance, you experience it differently.

"I have spent many parts of my life in Catalonia, important moments, and to see society so radicalised surprises and disheartens me."

Photos: China Open; Getty Images; AP; Weibo