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29 March 2024

Nadal focuses on World Tennis Championship

Rafael Nadal defeated Robin Soderling in last year’s final. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Staff

World number one Rafael Nadal is targeting early season success in Abu Dhabi at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship as he looks for the ideal preparation in his quest to claim the Australian Open.

The defending champion starts his season in full when he takes on the winner of the clash between former junior world champion, Marcos Baghdatis, and world number six Tomas Berdych, in the second semifinal on Friday at the International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sport City Abu Dhabi.  
Speaking ahead of the start of new global tennis season in Abu Dhabi, Nadal said: “Last year, the most successful year of my career to date, started in with a win Abu Dhabi so naturally it holds some great memories for me and I’d love to defend my title. Already a lot has been talked about the season ahead but for me I just play one match at a time and one tournament at a time. So right now my focus is on the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, being well prepared and giving of my best.
“Whether I play Baghdatis or Berdych in the semifinal, both are quality players and I’ll have the type of challenge I need ahead of the Australian Open. Abu Dhabi from the weather to the warm welcome from the fans is the perfect place to start my season.”     
Despite his recent loss to great rival Roger Federer in the ATP Finals, a glimpse of the action tennis fans can expect in Abu Dhabi, Nadal dominated the 2010 season with a series of devastating displays and commanding performances.
Momentum gained in winning last year’s Abu Dhabi title was short-lived as Nadal was forced to withdraw in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open due to a recurring knee injury. Yet the setback only rejuvenated Nadal who returned in spectacular fashion to sweep aside all challengers in winning his fifth Roland Garros title without losing a set before moving on to secure his second Wimbledon.
The entire 2010 season was one for the record books for the young man from Mallorca who recorded a 71-10 singles record, captured three Grand Slam titles, won a tour-high seven singles titles overall, and went undefeated during the clay court season with wins at Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid and Roland Garros.
The ‘King of Clay’ and arguably the greatest clay court player in history, last season saw Nadal went for a perfect 22-0 during the clay court season
Undoubtedly the highlight of the year came when ‘Rafa’ completed his career Grand Slam at the US Open, in a victory he would later describe as a “dream”. His first win at Flushing Meadows thrust Nadal into an elite group of only seven men who have won all four Grand Slam titles and the youngest, confirming his name as one of the all-time greatest.
This year Nadal returns to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship for the third consecutive year looking to repeat his title run of last year. Nadal has advanced to the Abu Dhabi final in both of his previous appearances at the event and defeated Robin Soderling in last year’s final.
The much loved left-hander comes to Abu Dhabi following a very short break from the game, having recently renewed rivalries with Federer for two charity exhibition matches to help the player’s charity foundations. 
Final tickets for the opening day of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City, are available at www.thinkflash.ae, www.boxofficeme.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com, Virgin Megastores across the UAE and Marina Mall Abu Dhabi or call 800 FLASH (35274).