11-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has described 2018 as a ‘very successful’ season despite being hampered by numerous injury issues.
The world No.2 hasn’t played a match on the tour since retiring from his semi-final match against Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open. Nadal has been troubled by issues with his knee and abdomen in recent months. He also underwent minor surgery on his ankle in November to ‘remove a free body in his ankle joint.’
“I believe I had a good season besides the injuries.” Nadal said during an interview with The National.
“When I was fit to play I managed to play well and get good results. So in that regard I think it was a very successful season, I played nine tournaments and finished No 2 in the world.”
Overall Nadal has played in nine tournaments this year, but was forced to retire during two of them (Australian and US Open). He once again dominated the clay court season by winning four titles, including a record 11th at Roland Garros. Nadal also won the Rogers Cup in August on hard court. His total win-loss record for the year is 45-4.
As the Spaniard suffered a lacklustre end to his season, one of his rivals experienced the opposite. World No.1 Novak Djokovic roared his way back to the top men’s tennis. Since the start of Wimbledon, Djokovic has won 35 out of 38 matches. Claiming two grand slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as two Masters tournaments. A performance that has drawn praise from Nadal.
“Novak proved he can be the best and a very difficult opponent,” he said. “He managed to come back and he is always a very, very difficult player to play against and even more to beat.
“They are always very intense matches (when I play him) and he is a player that covers very well all angles of the court. Definitely one of the biggest rivals anyone could have had in tennis.”
Nadal will return to action next week at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. An exhibition event hosted in Abu Dhabi that will also feature Djokovic. He is already a four-time winner of the event with his last triumph occurring back in 2016. Nadal has won the exhibition event more times than any other players in history.
“I am currently practicing and getting ready for the start of the season. I’m feeling good at the moment.” Nadal stated.
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship will get underway on December 27th. Nadal has a bye in the first round and will play either Kevin Anderson or Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals.
