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Rafa Nadal, Tennis News

ATP Finals Preview: Rafael Nadal


Rafael Nadal has qualified for the ATP Finals in each of the last 16 years, though is still chasing his first title after finishing as runner-up in 2010 and 2013.

Prior to the five-month shutdown, Rafael Nadal exited the Australian Open at the quarter-final stage after falling short to Dominic Thiem in four sets. However, the Spaniard responded well to win his third title in Acapulco, beating Grigor Dimitrov and Taylor Fritz.

Due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, Nadal decided against playing the US Open and made his first appearance after the resumption in September at the Italian Open, where he was stunned by Diego Schwartzman 6-2 7-5 in the quarter-finals.

However, despite his shock defeat, the Spaniard continued his phenomenal record at Roland Garros to claim a 13th French Open title, beating World No 1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets 6-0 6-2 7-5. The Spaniard won the tournament without dropping a single set.

The World No 2 has made an impressive transition on to the hard courts after a successful spell on clay, beating Feliciano Lopez, Jordan Thompson and compatriot Pablo Carreno-Busta to reach the semi-finals of the Paris Masters.

Nadal will come into this ATP Finals full of confidence after his Roland Garros victory, though will face tough competition from potential opponents including five-time ATP Finals winner Novak Djokovic, US Open champion Dominic Thiem and reigning ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Ranking 2
Titles this season 2
Career titles 86
2020 Win/loss 22-4
Year to date prize money: $3,278,577
Nitto ATP Finals appearances: 9
ATP Finals titles: 0

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.