Barcelona, April 19: They say it is tough to be a champion and even tougher to remain one. The truth of this statement can often be gauged by peeking into the career-graph of some true sporting champions and if Rafael Nadal means what he is saying, he will very well remain as one of the sporting legends of all time.

The Spaniard, is already the World's No.1 Men's Tennis player but that doesn't stop him from trying to better himself and go one notch above.

Speaking at a news conference at the Barcelona Open on April 18, he said, "I'm pleased with how the first week (on clay) has gone...I need to use the confidence from the first week to keep improving. I have to be more aggressive, to serve better and to finish off points more emphatically and with more authority."

Nadal who has lost to World No.2 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in all their encounters in 2011, dismissed suggestions of him being his main rival than Roger Federer, said, "He (Djokovic) has started very well and I congratulate him...Roger and I have played many important matches, with great moments for each of us. The year is very long and he (Djokovic) is in a privileged position but unfortunately I have to worry about many others as well."

He added, "I'm not invincible on clay. I have lost before and unfortunately I have plenty more games I will lose in the future. It has gone well for me in recent years but no one is perfect."

Just last week, Nadal beat compatriot David Ferrer 6-4, 7-5 to win his seventh straight Monte Carlo Masters title.

OneIndia News