‘I was surprised at how well I played’ – Rafael Nadal shakes off shorter break to dominate in Dubai

Rafael Nadal powered his way past Karen Khachanov at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship to set up a final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Spaniard never looked in any difficulties at all as he effortlessly continued the momentum that saw him enjoy a title-laden second half of the year.
“It’s nice to play some good tennis, I did almost every right,” Nadal said after the 6-1, 6-3 win.
“I was a little surprised by how well I played, and I hope to be able to have one more good match tomorrow in the final.”
It was a continuation of the recent form that saw Nadal finish the 2019 as the world number one, and he is happy to be back on court again despite such a short rest period.
“I played a good level of tennis tonight, better than what I thought.
RELATED: ‘I have a couple more gears’ – Novak Djokovic not worried by Mubadala defeat
“I was playing well at the end of the season, which was just 15 days ago when I was winning the Davis Cup.
“The break went quick. On one side it could be negative that we didn’t have a lot of time to rest, but on the other hand I finished the season playing well, which helps me to keep going”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray in race against time to play at Australian Open after testing positive for COVID-19
Andy Murray tests positive for coronavirus – report.
-
News
Andy Murray Australian Open appearance in doubt after positive test for Covid
Murray is hoping to be able to arrive in Australia at a later date.
-
Australian Open
Dominic Thiem’s coach tests positive for COVID-19, but hopes to link up with Austrian ‘soon’
Nicolas Massu hopes to fly Down Under in a few weeks.
-
ATP Tour
‘It feels great,’ says Hubert Hurkacz after starting 2021 with Delray Beach Open trophy
Hubert Hurkacz captures second ATP Tour title.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open drama as player reveals he was allowed to board flight despite positive COVID-19 test
Tennys Sandgren allowed to fly despite positive test.
-
Australian Open
Rafael Nadal suffers Australian Open setback as his coach Carlos Moya opts not to travel Down Under
Carlos Moya won’t be in Rafael Nadal’s box.
-
Tennis Features
Notable Australian Open qualifiers: From Tsvetana Pironkova and Francesca Jones to Bernard Tomic
Oli Jefford on the notable Australian Open qualifiers.
-
WTA Tour
‘I’m really happy to keep winning,’ says Aryna Sabalenka after capturing third title in a row
Another tournament, another title for Aryna Sabalenka.
-
News
Francesca Jones overcame injury and ‘wee mental breakdown’ ahead of Australian Open qualifying
Jones is in the main draw of Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka backed to win ‘another five to 10 majors as she that all-court game right’
How many Grand Slams will Naomi Osaka win?