Rafael Nadal confirms he will play Nitto ATP Finals, Australian Open

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal has never made it all the way at the Paris Masters and Nitto ATP Finals but he insists that won't be bringing him any extra motivation for those upcoming two events. 

Nadal, 34, made his maiden Paris Masters final in 2007 -- in which he stood no chance against David Nalbandian as the Argentine easily won 6-4 6-0. 

Nadal twice made the final at The O2 Arena but on both occasions lost.

"That doesn’t change anything for me. I want to do well anyway," Nadal said, when asked if there will be extra motivation in Paris in London since he has never won it all those two events, per Nikolaus Fink. 

Since 2009, Nadal has played only four times at the Paris Masters.

Nadal's last two appearances at the Paris Masters ended on the most disappointing way as in 2017 he gave Filip Krajinovic a walkover in their quarterfinal clash and last year he gave a walkover to Denis Shapovalov in their semifinal clash. 

"If I would think like that I wouldn’t be here. Of course I hope that nothing like this will happen again. I am here to try my best," Nadal claimed, when asked if there were any fears of coming back to Bercy due to his recent history of health issues at the tournament.

Nadal also confirmed that he absolutely intends to play the Nitto ATP Finals in London.

"I will play here [Paris] and in London. That’s my schedule," Nadal added.

Nadal also confirms he will play the Australian Open 

"Of course, they are part of my calendar. If we have to quarantine for 14 days, it only means we have to plan things better," Nadal said, when asked about his plans for the Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Vienna tournament director Herwig Straka underlined that the tournament will stay in touch with Nadal as signing up the Spaniard for their events remains their biggest goal. 

"We will stay in touch. It was already close this year," Straka said, per Nikolaus Fink.

Straka also confirmed that the Australian Open will take place, while the situation regarding the ATP Cup is still unclear.

"Probably everything will happen in Melbourne (Victoria). Chances for ATP Cup are 50/50, the Australian Open will definitely be played," Straka said.

Staging the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Masters behind the closed doors is an option.

"If necessary, both tournaments should be played without fans," Straka added.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/388XBxF