Nadal speaks on reverse overheads, scheduling and boosting the sport

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Rafael Nadal made quick work of world No. 192-ranked qualifier Jared Donaldson in his opening match on Sunday, needing just over one hour for a 6-1, 6-1 win. He was feeling so fresh he came in for a chat with Tennis Channel afterwards, talking very casually about his amazing reverse overhead.

"I don't know, I practice it," Nadal said. "I feel comfortable."

He's very comfortable in the desert, staying at Larry Ellison's mansion and embracing the easy-going lifestyle of Indian Wells, even having coffee with rival Roger Federer to chat about ATP improvements.

"There have been a years with a lot of positive things in our sport," Nadal said. "Having, I think, some players that achieve a lot and that creates important crowd around the sport, lots of talking about tennis. So now we need to promote our sport well. We need to the right things. We need to work hard to hold our sport at the highest level possible, and I am here if they need me for anything."

Nadal will be here, as in Indian Wells, for a while longer, too, as he will take on Diego Schwartzman in the third round on Tuesday.