ATP Swiss Indoors: Rafael Nadal taking antibiotics in a bid to postpone operation

Tennis great Rafael Nadal admits he is feeling quite nervous ahead of his first round match at the Swiss Indoors on Monday.

The nine-time French Open champion is due to have appendix surgery but is using antibiotics in an attempt to postpone the operation for a few weeks and will take on a qualifier on Monday.

The Spaniard has been told by doctors that he is safe to play despite the appendix problem but he is feeling a little apprehensive about the prospect.

"It's going to be one of the most dangerous first rounds in a 500 tournament that I've played in a long time," said the 28-year-old after practicing on Sunday.

"I am not 100 per cent sure what is going to happen tomorrow. I haven't practised well enough or enough times. My body feels more tired than usual when I'm playing.

I am not 100 per cent sure what is going to happen tomorrow. I haven't practised well enough or enough times.

"Practising is one thing, competing is another. When you compete you have the adrenaline, the heart goes faster, and I don't know how my body is going to answer.

"I'm a little bit scared about how my body is going to react, some of my injuries have been after antibiotic treatments. Hopefully that won't be the case this time."

Problems

The World No 3 has had plenty of injury problems during his incredible career and missed much of the summer with a wrist injury but he remains upbeat, although he admits that he may not be able to remain at the top as long as his great rival Roger Federer has managed.

"This week will help to improve my indoor game,” said Nadal.

“I haven't played during this week in the past years, so that's a plus. It will be a tough comeback but I try to stay positive.

"Injuries are part of sports and a big part of my career. I take it day by day. I don't know whether I will be able to play on top when I'm 33 (as Federer is doing). I'm just thinking about tomorrow.

"I'll try to stay competitive as long as possible. But when it's over, it's over.

"I try to work with the right intensity and the right mentality to play the best tennis again as soon as possible.

"The only way to come back to my best level is to work hard and stay healthy. I'm really optimistic that's going to happen again soon."