Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - This is what satisfaction looks like
With Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, numbers one and two of the ATP world rankings started the new tennis season. While Nadal lost to defending champion Kevin Mubadala World Tennis Championship after just under two hours of play, Djokovic made it to the Abu Dhabi final with a two-set win against Karen Khachanov.
by Florian Heer
last edit: Dec 28, 2018, 08:11 pm
By Florian Heer from Abu Dhabi
“I played a solid match and could keep up with a good player. I wanted to go back to the square. I achieved this goal, ”said Nadal after his 6: 4, 3: 6, 4: 6 defeat, his first appearance since the US Open.
"After the longer injury break, it is normal to feel some pain. I'm happy with how I played tennis and more or less with how the body reacted. ”
Nadal pauses
However, Nadal will miss the third place game scheduled for tomorrow afternoon in Zayed Sports City. "I probably won't play," said Nadal at the press conference. "I'll take a few days off. It was my goal to come here and I worked hard for it after surviving surgery. I spent more time on the pitch today than I originally thought. Now is not the time to step back. I want to go step by step and the match today helped. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid any risk. "
Start in Brisbane
However, the Spaniard does not see the goal of starting in Australia at risk. "I signed up for Brisbane. I want to run up there. I want to play my calendar and continue to win every tournament I compete in. That is always my goal. "
The Australian Open will soon be the first highlight of the season. Nadal looks relaxed at the rule changes regarding a fifth sentence in the Grand Slams, but was apparently not yet fully aware of where which rule applies now. "A tie break is played at 12-12 in Wimbledon?", Nadal was uncertain. "It's good. I like that, sounds like a fair arrangement, ”followed after a short laugh in the room as an answer.
Djokovic in early form
Novak Djokovic can be more than satisfied after his first appearance in the season. The industry leader entered the Abu Dhabi final with a confident 6: 4, 6: 2 over Karen Khachanov, who beat him at the final of the Masters in Paris last month.
"As a rule, I have high demands on myself. But I try to screw it down a bit at the beginning of a new season," said Djokovic in his press conference. “I was really looking forward to the performance today and I am very happy with how I played today. It is a very good start for tomorrow and the tournament in Doha. ”
However, the match against Anderson will be a task not to be underestimated for the world's number 1. “He is a strong, fast player with a strong serve. Tomorrow we have to resist the storm. I will not be more powerful than he can hit the balls but I will try to tactically hit him. That will be the goal tomorrow. "