Rafael Nadal sends a message to his fans ahead of Abu Dhabi return
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 15130
The 20-time Major champion Rafael Nadal has not played since early August, struggling with a foot injury and deciding to skip the rest of the season. Feeling better after a treatment, Nadal is back on the practice court at home in Mallorca.
We will see him in action again in a couple of weeks at the 13th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship Zayed Sports City's International Tennis Centre. Six players will battle for the title between December 16-18, including Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Denis Shapovalov.
Eager to compete at one of his favorite tournaments again, the six-time champion Nadal stated how much he loves to play in Abu Dhabi, sharing a message with his fans and feeling thrilled to compete again. Rafa is the defending champion in Abu Dhabi, battling against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 2019 final and prevailing 6-7, 7-5, 7-6 in three hours and 12 minutes after an incredible encounter.
It was one of the best clashes in the tournament's history, and Rafa needed everything from his arsenal to top the young challenger, who ousted Novak Djokovic in the semi-final. The Spaniard served for the opener at 5-4, only to get broken and lose the tie break 7-3 after over an hour.
Rafa fended off break points at 4-4 in set number two and claimed it 7-5 with a volley winner to introduce a decider. The Spaniard opened a 4-2 gap before experiencing a break in the seventh game to keep the rival in contention and increase the drama.
Rafael Nadal will seek the sixth Mubadala World Tennis Championship title.
The more experienced player stayed composed in the tie break and grabbed it 7-3 to seal the deal and celebrate the fifth Mubadala World Tennis Championship title.
This season, Rafa played under 30 matches due to injuries, winning two titles and earning enough points to wrap up the 17th consecutive season inside the top-10. Dealing with a foot injury since Roland Garros, Nadal skipped Wimbledon and the Olympic Games before returning in Washington.
Two matches were enough for the Spaniard to realize he can not play with constant pain, undergoing a minor treatment on his foot and practicing ahead of the new season. "Hello everyone, Rafa here. I'm thrilled to be back at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. I hope to see you soon there," Rafael Nadal said.