Nadal coming back strong

Rafael Nadal has a return to winning ways on clay in his sights as he targets a ninth title at the Barcelona Open this week.

The Spaniard was beaten in straight sets by world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Saturday but insisted he was pleased by his progress after a poor start to the year after a long injury layoff in the second half of last season.

"For me, it's a very positive week. The most positive week of the season without any doubt," said Nadal.