Rafael Nadal continued his perfect run at the ATP Cup with a straight sets win over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka to put Spain into the quarter-finals.
The world No.1 didn’t have it all his own way against the 24-year-old, who is ranked 71 places lower than him. Dropping serve twice in the opening set, Nadal required more than two hours to see off his opponent 7-6(4), 6-4. Handing Spain an unassailable 2-0 lead in their latest tie. In what was their first meeting on the tour for more than two years, Nadal said afterwards he was impressed by his opponents game.
“He’s a great player with a lot of talent.” Said Nadal.
“He really does a lot of very difficult things very easy. So he’s able to manage very well the timing of the point. And his movements are one of the best on tour. He has started the season very well, I’m happy to see him back at this very, very high level after tough injuries.”
Nishioka has been ranked as high as 58th in the world and won his maiden ATP title in Shenzhen back in 2018. He reached the second round in three out of four grand slam tournaments last year.
Nadal has now won all three of his singles matches in straight sets at the ATP Cup. Earlier in the week he also defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, 7-5, and Pablo Cuevas 6-1, 6-2. In the doubles he also teamed up with Pablo Carreno Busta on Wednesday to defeat Japan’s Ben McLachlan and Go Soeda. Placing Spain at the top of Group B with no matches lost. Nadal has now won his last 12 doubles matches representing Spain with five different partners.
“I think it’s been a positive week for me personally.” Nadal reflected.
“Winning three matches against three tough opponents. That’s a good way to start the season.’
“Now we (team Spain) go to Sydney, it’s the quarter-finals, it’s going to be another tough opponent for all of us there. And I really believe that we need to keep working well, but I really hope to be ready to increase the level.”
The 33-year-old king of clay is hoping to capitalize on his run in form at the upcoming Australian Open. Where he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic 12 months ago. It is the only grand slam Nadal hasn’t won multiple times. His sole triumph occurred back in 12. However, if he does triumph in Melbourne it would place him on level footing with rival Roger Federer for most major singles titles ever won by a male player.
“My only goal is to keep playing good tennis, keep enjoying this sport, being happy. And if that happens and I stay healthy, the goal is to keep producing chances in the events that I’m going to play.” Nadal concluded.
Spain will play their quarter-final match at the ATP Cup on Friday.
