adminRafael Nadal has a shorter than usual offseason this year, but believes he can work it to his advantage as he looks to carry his Davis Cup-winning form into 2020.
The world No. 1 led Spain to the Davis Cup title just over three weeks ago then went on a short break before beginning his preparations for the new season. Nadal picked up right where he left off as he surprised himself by putting together a devastating 6-1, 6-3 performance against Russian world No. 17 Karen Khachanov in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi. “That was a good masterclass. Rafa needs to tell me how much I need to pay him,” Khachanov joked after the match.
Nadal feels it was a victory that proved he can keep up his momentum from his strong finish to the 2019 season well into the new year. “I was a little bit surprised the way that I played. I have been playing well at the end of the season. And it was just 15 days ago, a little bit more that I was winning the Davis Cup with Spain and the rest of the guys, so things went quick,” Nadal told reporters in the UAE capital. — AFP
Online Reporter