Turin: Rafael Nadal finished his ATP Finals campaign with a win, when the Spaniard downed Casper Ruud 7-5, 7-5 at the prestigious season finale here.
Nadal hit 37 winners to Ruud’s 19 and won 93 per cent (38/41) of points behind his first serve to seal a one-hour, 43-minute victory and round out his 2022 season on a winning note on Thursday night. The win means Nadal finishes with a 1-2 record at this year’s season finale.
The 36-year-old, who this year lifted four tour-level titles including major crowns at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, ended 2022 season with a 39-8 tour-level record.
“I have been practising well,” Nadal said. “Just probably not enough matches to be at the level that I needed to be. Not enough confidence, probably, after six tough months. That’s how it is. I accept that the season didn’t end the way that I wanted, but at least I finished with a positive victory.
“It’s important, the last official match of the season, so I am happy for that. At the end I am happy about that… I was able to win against a great player.”
“I can’t ask for more. 2022 has had a tough six months, two Grand Slams, and finishing the year in a high spot in the rankings. So, I can’t complain at all. At my age, to be able to achieve and be competitive means a lot for me,” he said.
Despite Thursday’s defeat, Ruud progresses to the semifinals in Turin for the second consecutive year. Joining the Norwegian in qualifying for the semifinals from Green Group is Taylor Fritz.
