Rafael Nadal makes Novak Djokovic revelation and provides injury update
RAFAEL NADAL claims Novak Djokovic is a difficult opponent because he covers all the angles on court.
Rafael Nadal returns to training after injury
Nadal and Djokovic are set to warm up for the 2019 season at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship next week.
Both stars returned to training this week ahead of the exhibition event, in which they can meet in the final.
And Nadal has explained exactly why he finds it difficult to beat the current world No 1.
“Novak proved he can be the best and a very difficult opponent,” Nadal told The National.
“He managed to come back and he is always a very, very difficult player to play against and even more to beat.
“They are always very intense matches (when I play him) and he is a player that covers very well all angles of the court.
“Definitely one of the biggest rivals anyone could have had in tennis.”
Nadal has not played a competitive match since retiring from the US Open semi-finals with a stomach problem.
The Spaniard used to time off to rectify a niggling ankle issue which required surgery.
But now he is feeling fully recovered and raring to go.
“I am currently practicing and getting ready for the start of the season,” he added.
“I’m feeling good at the moment.”
Nadal also reflected on the 2018 season in which he won the French Open, his 17th career Grand Slam title, and finished as the world No 2.
“I believe I had a good season besides the injuries,” he said.
“When I was fit to play I managed to play well and get good results.
“So in that regard I think it was a very successful season, I played nine tournaments and finished No 2 in the world.”
Tennis: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Paris Masters
Mubadala World Tennis Championship schedule
Dec 27
Kevin Anderson vs Hyeon Chung
Dominic Thiem vs Karen Khachanov
Dec 28
Fifth place play-off
Rafael Nadal vs Anderson/Chung
Novak Djokovic vs Thiem/Khachanov
Dec 29
Third place play-off
Final