‘I can’t go crazy’ – Rafael Nadal determined to build on momentum heading to Australia
Rafael Nadal says he cannot afford to take his foot off the gas as he aims to build on a brilliant 2019 season.
The 33-year-old won two Grand Slams and the Davis Cup last season, as well as becoming the oldest year-end world number one in history.
And, after a successful showing at the closes=season’s most prestigious exhibition event last week, he says now is the time to push forward, not look back.
“Obviously, winning is important for motivation, but we can’t go crazy,” Nadal told PuntoDeBreak.
“There are things that I have to improve for the ATP Cup and obviously for the Australian Open. Now I will take a few days off and start training for the Australian tour that will begin next week with the ATP Cup.”
Nadal has already made a fine start to his 2020 preparations by winning the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Dubai.
It was the Spaniard’s fifth triumph in the tournament, and he certainly hopes it is not his last.
“It means a lot to me to be able to win again in Abu Dhabi, a tournament that I have already won five times,” Nadal added.
“With this triumph, I close in the best possible way this 2019. It is always a pleasure to come and play here.
“Every year I have one more year and you never know what will happen. Hopefully in future editions I can be 100% physically and can be here again.”
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