Credit: atptour.com
Rafael Nadal proved too tough for Andrey Rublev as he defeated the 23-year-old 6-3, 6-4 in his first match of this year’s Nitto ATP Finals to move to 1-0 in Group London 2020 action.
Nadal only needed one hour and 18 minutes to make a good start at the season finale, where he is pursuing his first title.
The Spaniard played a clean match, especially on serve. He only lost five second-serve points (10/15) and did not face a break point.
Rublev leads the ATP Tour in titles (5) and wins (40) this season, but he was not at his powerful best on Centre Court.
The seventh seed struggled making first serves early on, which gave Nadal time to find his rhythm.
The Russian was unable to put the lefty into difficulty with his serve, which prevented him from getting into the attacking patterns that have served him so well all season.
Speaking after the game, Nadal told atptour.com that it was important to start the game on winning note.
“It’s important to start well, of course, for the confidence, because winning [in] straight sets helps,” Nadal said.
“The serve tonight was very important.
“I played solidly with my serve. I didn’t suffer much, and that helps [me] to play more relaxed on the return. That’s what I did.”
Reflecting on the game, the Spaniard said he was delighted on how he approached the game.
“[I’m] happy the way I approached the match.
“The first match is always difficult, and Andrey played an amazing season,” Nadal said.
“He’s a great guy, too, so I wish him all the very best.”
The World No. 2 has qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals in a record 16 consecutive years and he reached the final at the year-end championships in 2010 and 2013.
Nadal’s experience proved key against the in-form Russian, who often got frustrated with near misses and made uncharacteristically poor shot selections.
