Injured Nadal draws inspiration from Ronaldo
Monday - 2/18/2013, 11:10am ET
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates at the end of the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match against Argentina's David Nalbandian in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
TALES AZZONI
AP Sports Writer
SAO PAULO (AP) -- Rafael Nadal is drawing inspiration from the Brazilian soccer great Ronaldo as he returns from an injury.
With Ronaldo watching, Nadal won the Brazil Open on Sunday for his first title after a seven-month layoff caused by treatment of his left knee. Nadal said Ronaldo is "an example" to be followed because of his determination to rebound from a series of career-threatening knee injuries.
Despite winning again, the Spaniard is still bothered by his knee and said he is far from fully recovered, although he hopes the victory will mark a new beginning in his career.
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