Reef Nadal he is cautious in his evaluations because experience advises him to do so when physical injury issues are on the table. He positively valued his participation in the Mubadala World Championship Tennis de Abu Dhabi, but he did not confirm “one hundred percent” that he is in Australia, next January.
He already warned that his reappearance would serve as an exam to evaluate his sporting future. Lost to Andy murray by 6-3 and 7-5, he could not with Denis Shapovalov, 6-7 (4), 6-3 and 10-6. A good four hours of competition, to add to other similar intensity in training with Shapovalov himself and the Russian Andrey Rublev at the Zayed Sports City.
“I need to talk to my team, see how my body responds after these days”
“I need to talk to my team,” he said about his presence in Australia, after reappearing after almost five months away from the competition, having only played a couple of games in August since losing in the semifinals of Roland Garros, where the left foot continued to show signs of intolerable pain.
“The plan is to go to Australia, but I can’t guarantee it one hundred percent. I have time to make a decision.”
“I cannot guarantee Australia one hundred percent, because I need to go home and see how the body responds after these days. I have time to make a decision. At this point in my career I need to go day by day, study each movement well.” Nadal mused.
The tournament continues on the agenda ATP de Melbourne, from January 3 to 9, and Open de Australia, from January 17 to 30. “That is the plan, to go and try to do the best possible, but I do not assure it one hundred percent,” he said.
“I have been able to show a competitive level against good players”
He was satisfied with his tennis because “I have been able to show a competitive level against good players even without being in perfect condition. There are things to improve, but looking at things with perspective it has been a positive tournament”
Read also
“The main objective is to be healthy enough to do the things that I need to do and aspire to the objectives that I have always had. The illusion and passion remain,” said Rafa Nadal, who during the final part of his duel with Shapovalov did occasional gesture of caution in the supports with the left foot. They have been complicated months, with an operation in between, and he prefers to be cautious.
As he had warned before heading back to the slopes, he will go to Australia under normal conditions, but he does not want to take a wrong step and there is no rush to make hasty announcements.
