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RafaeL Nadal says he is struggling with nerves and self-confidence issues after he was beaten in the third round by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco at the Miami Open last Sunday.

“It is not a question of tennis. The thing is the question of being relaxed enough to play well on court,” he told reporters after the 6-4 2-6 6-3 loss at Key Biscayne.

“A month and a half ago I didn’t have the game. My game has improved but ...I am still playing with too much nerves for a lot of moments, important moments, still a little anxious on those moments,” he added.

Nadal rejected the notion his numerous past injury problems were leading him to doubt his body.

“The physical problems are in the past. I am in competition. I’m playing weeks in a row. It is not an excuse,” he said. 

“It is a different story today.  I don’t have this self confidence that when I hit the ball I am going to hit the ball where I want to hit the ball, to go for the ball knowing that