World No.1 Rafael Nadal is drawing positives from the 2019 season despite enduring what he describes as a ‘couple of very hard months.’
The 33-year-old has become the oldest year-end No.1 in the history of men’s tennis. This season Nadal has won a total of four titles on the ATP Tour, including both the French Open and the US Open. Overall, he has managed to win 58 out of 65 matches played. However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the Spaniard, who has once again been hindered by injury woes. During the second half of the season he suffered issues with his abdomen and hands. Meanwhile, in March it was a knee injury that briefly sidelined him from the tour.
“It has been a little bit of a magic year because it had been a good start, but then I went through a couple of very hard months in terms of injuries.” Nadal told reporters on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.
“Then I came back and I came back well. I started to play at a very high level again. I enjoyed a lot of great moments on court, very emotional ones, Roland Garros, Rome, then New York, that final was amazing, and then of course ending the season with that Davis Cup title on home soil, so an unforgettable experience to finish that way.”
Despite his roller coaster season, Nadal has been recognized for his achievements. Earlier this week he received the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship award for the third time in his career. The honour recognizes players on the tour who have illustrated a high level of ‘fair play, professionalism and integrity on and off the court.’ The winner is always voted for by players.
Now on 19 grand slam titles, Nadal is just one adrift from equalling the all-time record. Which is currently held by rival Roger Federer, who is five years older than him. The king of clay describes the prospect of reaching the milestone as ‘amazing’’ however, he isn’t fixated on achieving the accolade.
“So if that happens, great, if not, I just gave my best all my career to be in the position that I am today. And obviously of course, increase the number of 20, or tying 20 would be something amazing, but I cannot complain at all.” He explained.
“I’m super happy the way I am having my tennis career, I gave my best all the time and I’m proud about the way I worked and the way I enjoyed the tennis during all these years.
“So I just really believe and hope that I can keep having the chance to keep going and keep having fun and keep giving myself chances to compete at the highest level.”
With 2020 fast approaching, Nadal is hoping that he can continue his momentum from last month where he guided Spain to the Davis Cup title. His first test begins on Friday at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. A three-day exhibition event that he has won on four previous occasions. In his opening match, Nadal will take on Russia’s Karen Khachanov.
“I’m always encouraged to play against [Nadal],” Khachanov said following his win over Hyeon Chung on Thursday. “There is always unbelievable intensity, which I like. I really admire him as a hard-working player, and I like his intense shots and movement. We’ve had some good matches with a good level of tennis.”
After playing in the Mubadala event, Nadal will kick-off his 2020 season at the ATP Cup, which will begin on January 3rd.
