Rafael Nadal admitted that his 2022 season didn’t end how he wanted but added that he was glad that at least he was able to cap off his year with a win. After losing his opener at the Paris Masters, Nadal also lost his first two Round Robin matches at the ATP Finals – those two losses left him without a chance to qualify for the semifinal.
On Thursday, Nadal defeated Casper Ruud 7-5 7-5 in his group stage finale to avoid going winless at this year’s season-ending tournament. It was a very tight contest as Nadal broke Ruud late in each of the two sets to seal a tight two-set win.
After losing in straight sets to Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime, Nadal looked better against Ruud. “I have been practising well. Just probably not enough matches to be at the level that I needed to be. Not enough confidence, probably, after six tough months.
That’s how it is. I accept that the season didn’t end the way that I wanted, [but] at least I finished with a positive victory. It’s important, the last official match of the season, so I am happy for that. At the end I am happy about that.
I was able to win against a great player,” Nadal said after the match, per the ATP Finals website.
Nadal preaches positivity ahead of the 2023 season
Nadal had another injury-plagued season in 2022 but still he was able to win two Grand Slams and finish the year ranked inside the top-5.
Going into the 2023 season, Nadal says he is keeping a positive spirit. “I can’t ask for more. 2022 has had a tough six months, two Grand Slams, and finishing the year in a high spot in the rankings. So, I can’t complain at all.
At my age, to be able to achieve and be competitive means a lot for me. For 2023, just let’s try to have the right preparation, work the proper way and start the season with the right energy, the right attitude, to reach the level that I need to be competitive from the beginning. Let’s try it, I am excited about it,” Nadal added.
