Rafael Nadal said he wants to see clay events on the ATP tour stay on the same surface, both to keep the sport's tradition and to prevent player injuries.

Some clay-court events, like Acapulco, have been switching to hardcourts to better fit player preferences and their position in the ATP schedule. But Nadal, who won his 46th title on clay in Buenos Aires, said that clay has been an important part of the sport's history and is also less physically punishing.  
"Clay is a traditional surface of our sport, we need to protect that," Nadal told Reuters and local press following his victory. "Sport is bigger when you combine new and show events with traditional events. We are changing more and more tournaments from clay to hard surfaces, but the hard surface is more demanding, so there are more and more injuries.  
"You can check on the tour, that many players have injuries," he added, "So there is something we are doing badly, the people who manage, that is not right."  
Following recent knee injuries, Nadal has opted to play the South American clay events following the Australian Open—not just because it is his favorite surface, but because it is easier on his joints.  
The 28-year-old, who has been suffering through a series of injuries, sees it as important for players to stay healthy both during and following their careers. Nadal said once he retires, "I would like to be able to play a game of football with friends, but playing so much on hard courts complicates that."  
The Spaniard is back at No. 3 in the rankings with his title victory.