Nadal Takes Positives Out Of Australian Open Thrashing

Rafael Nadal said he took a lot of positives out of the Australian Open on his return from injury, despite being thrashed in the final Sunday by Novak Djokovic

Melbourne, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jan, 2019 ) :Rafael Nadal said he took a lot of positives out of the Australian Open on his return from injury, despite being thrashed in the final Sunday by Novak Djokovic.

The Spanish second seed had played an outstanding level of tennis at the tournament without dropping a set until he met his arch-rival on Rod Laver Arena.

And he had no answer to the world number one's booming groundstrokes and precision serve to limp out of Melbourne Park 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

Nadal said he still wasn't at his best after his injury-plagued 2018.

"Was unbelievable the way that he played, no doubt about that. But at the same time it is true that probably physically I was not able (to compete at that level)," said Nadal.

"Five months without competing, having that big challenge in front of me, I needed something else.

That something else probably today, I don't have it yet.

"That's my feeling, to compete at this super high level." Despite the rout, Nadal said he was content with being able to reach the final given the injury problems that prevented him playing any matches after the US Open until he got to Melbourne.

"I have been going through tough moments in the last year. (I have played) only nine events and since the US Open I was not able to play until the first round here," he said.

"Even if tonight was not my night it's so important for me to be where I am coming back from injury.

"I really believe I played a great two weeks of tennis, there's a good energy and good inspiration for what is coming."Nadal had not played a main tour event since a knee problem forced him to retire during his US Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro in September.