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Nadal lost the singles and doubles finals at the VTR Open on Sunday, but sounded upbeat despite the disappointing finish to his comeback tournament.
‘’Everything was very positive,’’ he said. ‘’It’s true I wanted to win the final, and it’s true I didn’t play my best match this afternoon. There are a lot of things that show I’m not perfect yet.
‘’I hope this is the beginning of a lot of tournaments and a lot of good results for me.’’
Nadal was beaten by Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos in three sets in the singles final.
Then Nadal and partner Juan Monaco lost 6-2, 6-4 in the doubles final against the Italian pair of Paolo Lorenzi and Potito Starace.
Nadal was an overwhelming favourite, particularly in singles where he was shooting for this 37th singles title on clay. But Zeballos won 6-7 (2), 7-6 (6), 6-4 for his first title on any surface, looking every bit the equal of the seven-time French Open champion.
Nadal said just being able to play again was some reward.
‘’It was a week when we didn’t know how the body would respond, the knee,’’ he said. ‘’At least we have seen we can compete up to a certain level.
“It’s true I have had good days and bad days that impact on my play.’’
It was only the fifth loss for Nadal in a singles final on clay. — AFP.
Online Reporter