Rafael Nadal has maintained returning to action at the VTR Open in Chile was the right decision despite admitting his left knee still hurts.
Nadal made the final in both the singles and the doubles in Vina del Mar having not played since last year's Wimbledon grand slam tournament due to his left knee's patella tendon being partially torn.
The 26-year-old Spaniard revealed after the ATP 250 event in Chile that the troublesome knee is still causing him pain but he is confident he is on the right track.
"The knee is still bothering me but you have to face adversity with the best possible face and look forward to keep working and enjoy what I like the most, to play tennis," Nadal said on Sunday.
Nadal was defeated 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 by Argentina's Horacio Zeballos in Sunday's final of the VTR Open but remains convinced it was 'a positive week'.
The 11-time grand slam winner believes he just needs for time on the court ahead of the Brazil Open, which starts on Monday.
"The tennis is important but for me the best thing was to have the feelings I've had this week, with a full stadium and one of the best crowds I've ever had in my life," added Nadal.
"It's a place I won't forget because of the love people gave me.
"I was two points away from winning the title but I said from first day that the result was not the most important thing, although I would've liked to win.
"My opponent won, he deserved it and I congratulate him.
"Still, to win four matches in a row is good news for me."
