‘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 OpenNovak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas labelled a dream final
It is almost time to settle the new World No 1.
-
Australian OpenInside story on the technology propelling Stefanos Tsitsipas to the top
Adidas have taken its tennis offering to a new level with the release of their Adizero Cybersonic tennis shoe.
-
NewsAustralian Open day 12 wrap: Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas set popcorn final
Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid won their fourth successive Australian Open title in men’s wheelchair doubles.
-
Australian OpenElena Rybakina made Australian Open favourite despite poor record against Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina’s experience of winning a Grand Slam gives her the edge.
-
Australian Open2023 Australian Open men’s final info, form, H2H, what they said, preview: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Novak Djokovic
Get all the info ahead of the Australian Open men’s final.
-
Australian OpenWATCH: Emotional Novak Djokovic makes his point at press conference
Novak Djokovic admitted he has been shaken by the storm around his father after pro-Russian flag photo.
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic hopes to draw a line under Russian flag controversy
Novak Djokovic has released a statement clarifying the family position.
-
Australian OpenAryna Sabalenka in control of her own Australian Open destiny: ‘I’m my psychologist’
Aryna Sabalenka will take on Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the final.
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic stays in hunt for La Decima at Australian Open despite meltdown, tantrum, unforced errors galore
Novak Djokovic one Australian Open win away from La Decima.
-
NewsAlfie Hewett and Gordon Reid do it again as they win fourth Australian Open title in a row
The pair were dominant in victory over Dutch duo Maikel Scheffers and Ruben Spaargaren.