Rublev Tops Murray For Abu Dhabi Exo Title; Nadal 0-for-2
The Abu Dhabi exo wrapped up today with Andrey Rublev emerging victorious over Andy Murray in the final 6-4, 7-6(2).
“It’s my third time here and I always love coming,” said Rublev. “You get quality matches against top players. It’s great to have these types of matches ahead of the new season, that’s why we are here. It’s great preparation.”
While Rublev took the title, Murray maybe had the best event beating Rafael Nadal yesterday then hanging tough with the Top 10 Rublev.
“I’m looking forward. I’m healthy, I just need to find a way of turning things my way in matches against the biggest players and having good runs at the biggest tournaments,” said Murray. “If you guys would like me to come back then I’d love to come back. It’s a fantastic way to get ready for the new season.”
Denis Shapovalov defeated Rafael Nadal for third place. Nadal finished 0-2 in his comeback event losing to Murray and then the Canadian today.
“I made a couple of mistakes that I shouldn’t have, but it’s been a positive week, having the opportunity to practice outdoor in great weather, and play with great players,” said Nadal. “I was able to show a competitive level in two matches this week and that is a very positive thing for me. I still believe I will be competitive as I have been for the past 15 years, and I have the motivation and passion to achieve my goals.”
The former No. 1 was on court for the first time since Washington when his foot forced him to shut his 2021 season down. He is scheduled to appear next at the Melbourne warm-up event before the Australian Open. The 35-year-old, though, still left the door slightly open that he might not play, saying he needed to return home, consult his team and see how he felt physically before committing to Australia.
“I really hope the foot is going to get better and better to be again at the level that I want to be. If I am able to play with no limitations, I want to fight again for everything, so that’s the goal,” Nadal said earlier.
“My experience says that things change very quick. What today seems impossible or almost impossible, nobody knows what can happen in one month.
“It’s going to be super difficult for me. If things are going well, I’m only going to play one tournament before Australia and these two matches here so the amount of hours on court at the competitive level before such a tough and demanding tournament like Australia will be not much but the main thing is still always the same – be healthy. If I am healthy, I still have the interior fire to keep going and to fight for my goals.”
The flights to Melbourne leave in less than two weeks.
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