Nadal sees Argentine Open as next step up comeback ladder

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns to Fabio Fognini of Italy during their men's singles tennis semi-final match at the Rio Open tournament in Rio de Janeiro, February 21, 2015. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal, who suffered an upset defeat in the Rio Open semi-finals at the weekend, said on Monday he was confident of taking another step towards recovering his best form in Buenos Aires this week.

The Spaniard, ranked fourth after Saturday’s loss to Fabio Fognini ended a run of 52 consecutive semi-final wins on clay, will make his bow in the second round of the Argentine Open at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club on Wednesday