'Rafael Nadal finally never felt so close to winning', says former No. 1

The ATP Finals represent one of the last major gaps in Rafael Nadal's bulletin board. Also thanks to the long suspension of the tour caused by the global pandemic, the Spanish phenomenon had presented itself this year in London fresher than it had ever been in the past. Having just won his 13th Roland Garros title, the 34-year-old from Manacor was considered one of the favorites to finally win the 'Tournament of Masters'. Despite losing to Dominic Thiem in the second match of his group, the former world number 1 nevertheless reached the semifinals, where he surrendered in comeback to future winner Daniil Medvedev. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who has participated in ten editions of the Masters (he had to give up on six occasions due to injury), has only two finals - in 2010 and 2013 - yielding respectively to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. In a lengthy interview with Tennis Majors, his coach Carlos Moya admitted that the rout against Medvedev at the O2 Arena in London was harder for Rafa to accept than the elimination in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Moya reflects on Nadal's defeat in London

“Losing at the Australian Open against Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals did not affect him much," Carlos Moya stated. "On the other hand, this was not really the case following his defeat in the semifinals to Daniil Medvedev, it was difficult to accept." Moya added that Rafael Nadal was quite confident about his chances to claim a first ATP Finals title this time around, and that the loss from a winning position in the semifinals was a big blow for him. "Rafa felt good during this Masters and he finally never felt so close to winning," Moya said. "It was hard for him to digest this loss.” After winning his 20th Grand Slam title in 2020, Nadal will surely be eyeing the Australian Open 2021 title. Rafa has not won the Australian Open since 2009 and it will be a golden opportunity for him to go past Roger Federer in the Grand Slam tally. Fans too have high expectations from him. Will Rafa be able to begin his 2021 season on a high note at Melbourne? The 34-year-old only earned 1/4th of money as compared to 2019. He won at Acapulco and his record 13th title at French Open. In his defence, the Spaniard played fewer tournaments with regards to a normal tennis season.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2L3Kftf