Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the men's singles semifinal match against Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina at the 2017 U.S. Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 8, 2017. Rafael Nadal won 3-1 to enter the final. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
NEW YORK, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- After winning the semifinal against Juan Martin Del Potro from Argentina on Friday for his 23rd Slam final at the US Open, world No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain said that staying healthy is much more important than winning titles.
"If I win, I will be happy, but being healthy and feeling well and competitive is more important than winning Grand Slams," Nadal said. "That's already happened in the whole season. So that's the most important thing for me."
Nadal seeks his third US Open title after 2010 and 2013 and his 16th career Grand Slam title when he takes on Kevin Anderson from South Africa in Sunday's final.
"What is more important, more than winning Slams, is to be happy," added the 31-year-old Nadal.
"I am very happy to win Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Roland Garros. I am very happy to be in the final here in the US Open. And I am going to fight to win another title here. But still, a great season for me."
Nadal, who lost to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final but won his 10th French Open crown in June, has reached three Slam finals for the first season since 2011.
Nadal said: "You need to win matches. If you practice well and you feel well, you have more chances to win."
