'Passion, love' - Nadal's tips after defying injury to reach third decade on top

Rafael Nal said passion and positivity h helped him reach an unprecedented third dece ranked world number one, after defying ravs of injury and critics who said his all-action game was too tough on his body. Despite a stey stream of foot, knee, back, arm, hand and wrist injury setbacks, 33-year-old has returned time and again to become only player to top rankings in three different deces.

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Nal's tips after defying injury 

"I can't say I have been lucky with injuries, because I have t," Spaniard said on Saturday, when asked about his longevity in game.

"But re is secret, ? re is only about passion, about love for game, and about being able to stay positive in tough moments." Nal's physical, uncompromising approach is often contrasted with his great rival Roger Federer, who appears more effortless on court and -- after far fewer injuries -- is still going strong at 38.

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But fighting qualities that have taken Nal to 19 Grand Slam titles on court have often been evident off it, as he was repeatedly able to recover from injury and return to top.

"It's true that I went through some tough situations during all my career. But I was able to always, with probably positive attitude and with right people around -- y were key -- I was able to find a way to keep going, ?" he said.

"It's difficult for me to imagine because for my style of game, as a lot of people said, my career should be little bit shorter. But here we are. Happy for that.

"Even for me is a big surprise to be where I am at my ." 

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RE | 'Passion, love' - Nal's tips after defying injury to reach third dece on top