Rafael Nadal has had a gutting 2015 thus far, but, yesterday, he showed signs of returning to form as he got better of the World no. 2 Andy Murray in straight sets in a group match in the ongoing Tour Finals.
It was easily one of the best performances put on by Nadal in the season. He was all over Murray in both the sets.
Speaking in the post match interview, he said, “It’s the start. I will have to continue to work hard. I know it’s not possible for anyone to be at his best in every match. But, your work ethic should be good and your approach should be positive. That’s very important.”
“After the kind of phase that I have been through, it’s always a bit of a struggle at the comeback, but, the victories like this help you grow in confidence. For the last 15 days or so, I have felt good about my game and I would be extremely pleased if I manage to end the season on a good note for myself. That would put me in a great frame of mind for 2016.”
Murray also praised Nadal for his dominating show and admitted that the rhythm of the Spaniard looked far better than what it was at the start of the season.
In the words of Murray, “He had not played like this when I was up against her a few months back, but, obviously, with a lot of hard work being put in, his rhythm has got better and he is starting to be consistent now. He was at the top of his game today.”
Nadal, in all likelihood, is going to bump into Novak Djokovic in the Round of 4 at the O2 Arena and that would be a big test for him given the Serbian’s recent form.