Mubadala is important tournament: Goffin

World number one Andy Murray started his new season with a surprise defeat by Belgian David Goffin in the semifinals of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

World No. 11 David Goffin is treating the Mubadala World Tennis Championship with all its seriousness and it paid rich dividends on Friday - he beat No. 1 Andy Murray.
Goffin is now confident about the new season. "I am very happy with the way I played. I served really well. Andy kept pressure on me. It was tough to keep serving well throughout the match but it was one of the most positive things from this match."
Goffin said he is treating this tournament as an important one. "Maybe Andy would have managed differently had this been a serious match. For me, from the beginning of the tournament, I am treating this as a real one. And that's why I am really happy. I am really focused on what I do and this gives me a lot of confidence for the next season."
He was happy with the crowd support. "Sometimes it's nice to see World No. 1 or 2 in difficulty. And I won, so they must be happy to see something different."
The 26-year-old is relieved to get back his movement on court. "It has been a problem. It has always been my weapon. Now I am feeling really strong in my legs. I am feeling good physically. Hopefully I can stay fit and healthy all through the year."
On playing the final, he said: "I have practiced with Rafael (Nadal) for the last two days. He is very gifted and looks very strong."
Goffin will be playing three-time Mubadala King Rafael Nadal for the first time.
Nadal prevailed over Milos Raonic in the second semifinal.
Nadal said: "I had great start but I lost a bit of intensity and he started to serve huge. In the third, I served better and played with more aggression. It was a good victory against third player in the world."
On the final showdown, Nadal said: "Goffin is a very talented player. It will be a tough match. He is quick and plays good."
Nadal has practiced with Goffin few times. "We know each other very well and have a good relationship but the first competition betweenus will be interesting."
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat Tomas Berdych for fifth place, is looking to be consistent this season.
"To be honest, I have set targets every year and every year it has been difficult. Anyway, I set my targets really high so that I can go as far as possible."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com