Rafa Nadal has said was struggling with nerves and self-confidence issues after he was beaten in the third round by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco at the Miami Open on 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 a 6-4 2-6 6-3 loss.

“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... still a little anxious on those moments,” he added.

With the clay court part of the season coming up, Nadal’s preferred surface, he said the opportunity is there for him to turn his form around but he said that would not happen if he is unable to fix his mental issues.

“The tournaments that are coming are historically good for my game, good tournaments for my confidence,” he said.

“But if I’m not able to control all these things, I am not going to have the possibility to compete well and have success in those events.”