World No. 6 ranked player, Rafael Nadal did not drop a set at the ATP 250 event, as he wins his 89th tour-level crown in Australia
By Kehinde Okeowo
Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who cast doubt over his participation in the 2022 Australian Open in Melbourne two weeks ago has won an ATP title ahead of the tournament.
The 35-year-old said he cannot guarantee his participation at the event after he returned to action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Nadal said, “The idea is to go out there and try my best in Australia…Being 100% honest, I can’t guarantee it.
I need to speak with my team.”
He, however, added another title to his illustrious career, after capturing the ATP 250 title in Melbourne, meaning he has won at least one ATP title in 19 consecutive years.
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The top-seeded Nadal dispatched American Maxime Cressy, in two straight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-3 in one of six tournaments this week ahead of the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 17.
The World No. 6 ranked player was playing for the first time since the Citi Open in Washington in August when a foot injury curtailed his 2021 season.
The Spaniard showed little sign of rustiness in Melbourne, as he was ruthless and did not drop a set at the ATP 250 event, which is his 89th tour-level crown.
After winning the title, Rafael Nadal thanked the organisers of the event and said he felt lucky to have made the tennis tournament after his foot injury.
“I want to thank all the organisation here,” he said during the trophy ceremony.
Natal added, “I feel privileged and a very lucky guy to be here again. I am coming back from some challenging moments in terms of injuries, so I can’t be happier. It means a lot to be back and with a trophy in my hands.”
Meanwhile, while Nadal is warming up for the Australian Open, his perennial rival and number 1 ranked player in the world, Novak Djokovic is awaiting the verdict on his appeal against the cancellation of his visa and possible exit from the tournament.
