Sport | Tennis
I lost more out of lack of confidence, former world No 1 Nadal says
Spaniard wants to regain full confidence ahead of next season
- By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter, Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 November 25, 2009
- Image Credit: AP
- Spain's Rafael Nadal seems downcast during his match against Robin Soderling in the ATP World Tour Finals at theO2 Arena in London. The former world No 1, who has had a tumultuous year after starting with a win in the Australian Open, has a plan to regain his top form next season.
London: After a tumultous year, former world No 1 Rafael Nadal is desperate to regain his confidence ahead of the new season next year.
"The second half of the year was difficult for me, and probably I lost more out of a lack of confidence and lack of this necessary calm that is needed in crucial moments," the Spaniard said after losing 6-4, 6-4 to Robin Soderling at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
"I am working very hard to come back to my best level and I am not far away from it," he added.
This was Soderling's second straight win against Nadal — the last time being in the round 16 of the French Open at Roland Garros earlier this year where the Swede won in four sets to end Nadal's amazing run on clay.
"This year is going to be extremely hard to finish really well. But I am going to work very hard to start next year very good. I believe in myself and that I can come back playing really well next year," he insisted.
After a successful start to 2009 where he won the Australian Open in Melbourne, Nadal spent more than two months treating his injured knees. Since then the climb back to his top form has been slow. On Monday, the Spaniard showed very little of his usual flair on the court.
He also acknowledged he was not with this year's performance, which is inching towards the end, and vowed to return hard in 2010.
"I am not tired and I am not happy to finish this year. But the season ends this week and nothing can be done. Another two matches here, maybe more, and then there is Davis Cup next week.
"After that I have just one month practice to recover my 100 per cent game to start next year with a good level to win," Nadal added.
"Right now my aim is to be fighting and practicing hard so that I can go out on the court with full confidence in myself," Nadal said.
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