Rafael Nadal has won a notable 59 ATP titles, including 22 Majors trophies and 36 Masters 1000s. Still, the Spaniard has never claimed the ATP Finals crown, despite qualifying for the premium ATP event in all but one season since 2005. .
With a roof over his head, a hard surface and little strength, Rafa has won 20 of 36 matches at the ATP Finals, losing title matches to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in 2010 and 2013. Nadal was a semi-finalist in London. Two years ago, he missed a big chance to reach the title clash after a tight semi-final loss to Daniil Medvedev.
Rafa will give his best to play at his best in Turin in a couple of weeks and look for the title he lacks, although his chances are low! The Spaniard has played just six matches after withdrawing from Wimbledon with an abdominal injury.
Nadal left London ahead of the semi-final clash with Nick Kyrgios, revealing a seven-millimeter tear and playing a match before the US Open. Rafa took three wins in New York before losing to Frances Tiafoe, struggling through pain and missing all the action until the Paris Masters.
In his first singles match in nearly two months, Nadal fell 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 in the second round to Tommy Paul, blowing an early lead and losing all energy after the second set.
Rafael Nadal wants to compete in the ATP Finals in Turin.
Paul recovered the break to get to the plus side and claimed the break 7-4.
The American was the only player on court in the final set, breaking Nadal’s serve three times to record the best victory of his career. Nadal was miles away from his A game but wants to test his game in Turin in a couple of weeks, having nothing to lose after a breakout season that saw him win two Grand Slam crowns.
«I need days on the Tour after not spending enough time on the pitch for the last five months. It’s about more than just playing matches, but practicing with the guys, missing that too. If everything goes well and I feel good, I’ll travel. to Turin a little earlier than usual and embrace the practice sessions.
I want to enjoy another ATP Finals. You never know when my last experience at that event will be, especially at my age. I will have a good time in Turin and I will fight to catch up with him again in 2023,» Rafael Nadal said.
