Djokovic will get back to his best, insists Nadal

Rafael Nadal is sure Novak Djokovic will return to the highest level in tennis despite the Serb crashing out of the Madrid Open after defeat to Britain's Kyle Edmund.

Nadal's defence of his title began in comfortable fashion as he coasted to a 6-3 6-1 win over France's Gael Monfils yesterday.

But Djokovic endured another set-back, losing to world number 22 Edmund 6-3 2-6, 6-3.

In the women's event, meanwhile, there were wins for top seed and defending champion Simona Halep as well as former world number one Maria Sharapova.

However, second seed Caroline Wozniacki and third-seeded home hope Garbine Muguruza both fell to shock defeats.

Edmund had not taken a set off Djokovic in three previous meetings but the Serb is still feeling the effects of elbow surgery and his opponent took full advantage.

It means Djokovic is left reviewing another early exit ahead of the French Open later this month. The 30-year-old has not gone past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since 2016.

"I believe a lot in dynamics, in momentum," Nadal said.

"Small things happen that normally when you're in a good momentum, those things don't happen. When you don't have that momentum, you're in a negative way, these things happen.

"I think Novak, step-by-step, is going to be able to recover and be at the level he deserves. I don't have any doubt he's going to be back up at the highest level."
"At the same time, nobody is forcing me to play this sport. I do it because I like it. That's where I draw my strength."
"What I am most pleased with is I am recovered from injury and that makes me feel strong and confident I can survive tough matches."