Nadal wins fourth Mubadala title in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Rafael Nadal prevailed over Goffin 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in the final

David Goffin fought gallantly but couldn't dethrone the Mubadala 'King' at the International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Rafael Nadal prevailed over Goffin 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) to clinch his fourth Mubadala World Tennis Championship crown and prize money of $250,000.
Reigning champion Nadal and tournament debutant Goffin had practised a lot in the off season and the 30-year-old Spaniard had even said 'he knows me and I know him'.
So, when the two met for the first time, it was early fireworks in the Capital.
There were long rallies and each point wasn't earned without sweat. Goffin, four years younger than Nadal, was at his athletic best and at times more aggressive than the 'King'.
Nadal, coming back after long layoff, however, was on the mark with his backhands and went on to win the first set 6-4. Nadal was happy to capitalise on any Goffin mistakes. He would set up the winners with his returns and pull the trigger when an opportunity came.
The result could have been different had Goffin made better placements. At times after doing all the hard work, the Belgian would see his money shot crash into nets. In the second set, Goffin led 3-1 at one point but Nadal made a triumphant return with majestic winners. At 6-6, the tiebreaker saw intriguing fight but at the end it was Nadal who prevailed to take his record fourth title.
Nadal said he is 'comfortable' playing in Abu Dhabi. "I feel the love of the people. It's very special. I have very positive feeling for Abu Dhabi."
He is happy to be back competing. "I practiced hard to start the new season strongly. These three days have been great moment for me." The 14-time Grand Slam champion said is ready for the new season.
"Three matches against three top players confirm that I am playing well. I understand sports in general not just tennis. I always give my best. So, I am always clam with myself." Goffin said he played a perfect match. "It was a high-level and intense match."
The Belgian said he 'really enjoyed' his outings. He turned out to be the unlikely crowd favourite.
"I spent three wonderful days and hopefully I can come back next year," Goffin said.
He is eagerly looking forward to the Doha Open and facing Andy Murray again. "There were lots of positives from this tournament. I feel ready physically and mentally for the new season," the 26-year-old said.
Earlier, World No. 1 Murray celebrated his knighthood with a win over World No. 3 Milos Raonic. Murray was knighted in the Queen's New Year Honours list.
"It's a big honour. It is a great recognition of my results over the last few years and a great start to 2017. But I'm quite happy being known as Andy - that's fine by me," he said about the title 'Sir'.
Murray easily got the better of Raonic in the first set. In the second set, however, Raonic was in his element. He tried hard but couldn't clinch the tie-breaker. The Scot beat the Canadian 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) for the third place.
"It was quite tricky with the shadows to return Milos' serve but I did pretty good job. I was timing the ball well but there are few things I can still do better. It was good for me to get two good matches with two top players in Goffin and Raonic - it's been a productive couple of days."
Raonic, meanwhile, said he has achieved his targets at the Mubadala Championship.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com