Rafael Nadal admits he's dealing with anxiety and a lack of confidence following his latest stumble at the Miami Open.
The former world No. 1 player was eliminated Sunday in the third round by Fernando Verdasco.
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In a candid post-match news conference, Nadal opened up about his struggles in 2015.
"It's not the question of tennis," Nadal told reporters. "The thing is the question of being enough relaxed to play well on court.
“A month and a half ago I didn’t have the game. My game has improved but … I am still playing with too much nerves for a lot of moments, important moments, still a little anxious on those moments.”
The Spaniard insists his physical issues that plagued him last year are behind him.
"All these are small things that are difficult to explain. One of the tougher things has been fixed, that is the game, in my opinion," Nadal said. "Now I need to fix again the nerves, the self-control on court. That’s another issue.
“I am a little bit on and off too much. That is something that didn’t happen in the past. In the past I have been able to change a lot of situations, negative situations, in my career and I want to do it again. I am confident that I can do it. I don’t know if I am going to do it but I hope I can.”