Article

  • Rafa puts Abu Dhabi disappointment well behind

    1/6/09 4:36 AM | Johan Lindahl
    Rafa puts Abu Dhabi disappointment well behind Scot Andy Murray may be in tennis heaven after winning an Abu Dhabi exhibition last weekend, but beaten finalist Rafael Nadal is not bothered after losing in a near-meaningless competition.

    With no ATP points or even a note in career the "win" column coming from the match,the world No. 1 Spaniard has other goals in mind as he begins his ATP season in Doha.

    "You can consider this a major blow," said the reigning French, Wimbledon and Olympic champion. "The loss shouldn't affect my play at all.

    "I played well but Andy was better on the day. I don't know if I can start the season on a high, but I'm looking forward to doing well."

    Nadal is trying to follow up a season where he won eight titles and took over the top ranking in August from Roger Federer, also playing Doha.

    "This is an important tournament for me and I'll be giving it my best," Nadal added.

    "It's not just Murray or Federer, many players are capable of taking the No. 1 spot. Murray will be a strong contender at the Australian Open; Federer has always been a tough competitor."

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Comments

a great attitude! vamos, rafa!

memi , 1/6/09 7:02 AM


good luck Raff :-)

RafaNadalGirl20 , 1/6/09 8:28 AM


It was meaningless but they didn't looked like they were playing an exhibition. They played seriously. I think it will boost Murray's confidence more than it will dampen Rafa's spirit.

torres9 , 1/6/09 8:38 AM


it was meaningless y bcoz he lost the match...

ravikiran , 1/7/09 5:12 AM


At least he made it to the finals!!!

homos , 1/7/09 5:17 AM



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