Rafael Nadal wants to focus on everything except his knee

Monaco: Rafael Nadal will talk about almost anything except his knee injury as he bids to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the ninth straight time.

The Spaniard has made a staggering return to the circuit after seven months out with a left knee injury, reaching the final of the four tournaments he's played in - winning three - and racing to a career best 17-1 start to the season.

The 26-year-old Nadal says "talking (about) the knee every day doesn't help" and "I'm here to try my best and want to focus on the tennis, not any more on my knee."

As well as looking to continue his Monte Carlo winning streak, which stands at 42 matches, Nadal is aiming to extend his Masters record to 23 titles.