ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal with the "best possible preparation" for the first title
The title at the ATP Finals is one of the very few that is still missing in Rafael Nadal's well-filled trophy cabinet. For a possible debut win in 2020, the Spaniard would have had at least the "best possible preparation".
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Nov 14, 2020, 07:20 pm
When Rafael Nadal started the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris-Bercy almost two weeks ago, the Spaniard did it as one of the big favorites for the title. And that although the Spaniard has never won the indoor event in the French capital before. The 20-time Grand Slam champion should not succeed in this feat in 2020 either, Nadal failed in the semifinals due to a great Alexander Zverev. Well, this Sunday, the Mallorcan will start the next event, which is about a premiere title for him.
Even at the Nitto ATP Finals, the 34-year-old is about to triumph for the first time after the second in the world rankings failed twice in the final. Basically, in his successful career at indoor events, the Spaniard could not really build on his successes outdoors, as he did not try to deny in the press conference: "The numbers are clear. Of course, I have not played as many tournaments indoors as outdoors , but at the same time it is of course true that the indoor surfaces are not perfect for my game. Even if I play a lot better indoors than at the beginning of my career. "
Rublev: "Difficult opponent"
The preparation for this year's ATP Finals was a very good one, as the Spaniard emphasizes: "It was probably the best possible preparation I could have." Above all, of course, because of the appearances in Paris-Bercy: "I tried to fight hard in every game in Bercy, I hope that these matches can help me here." At the start, the second in the world rankings will meet Andrey Rublev (Sunday, 9:00 p.m. live on Sky), whom the 34-year-old sees as a very "difficult opponent". Rublev was the only player to have won five titles in 2020, most recently celebrating three consecutive ATP 500 titles.
Meanwhile, the conditions in 2020 are very special, the bubble concept is also being taken very seriously in London, and players are not allowed to walk the 200 meters from the hotel to the arena. In the players' accommodation, too, meticulous attention would be paid to compliance with the distance and hygiene rules. "But we can't complain, we are very happy that we can continue to practice our sport."
Last time ATP Finals in London
In this context, the Mallorcan thanked the ATP and the tournament organizers directly, who would "make it possible even under these difficult conditions". "Even if it is of course sad to play in this great arena without spectators," said Nadal. This is the inglorious final point for London as the venue for the unofficial ATP World Championships, with the season finale of the best eight players moving to Italy next year.
At the same time, the Spaniard emphasized that this would be very important for a tournament of this category: "The experience of playing the finals here in the O2 Arena was one of the best. The ATP did a great job in choosing London. But an event like this has to move around the world to promote our sport. I expect the Turin event to be great too. "