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Thursday, March 28, 2024

No sad song for Nadal despite tough defeat

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Rafael Nadal said he would take inspiration from his titanic five-set Australian Open final defeat to Roger Federer on Sunday and hoped it meant a strong season ahead.

Nadal fought to the end of an epic match decided by a Hawk-Eye challenge in Federer's favour to end the three-hour, 38-minute struggle on Rod Laver Arena.

Switzerland's Roger Federer (left) hugs Spain's Rafael Nadal after winning the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2017. AFP PHOTO

Like Federer, the Spanish warrior is coming back from an injury-hit season last year and was a surprise finalist, helped by six-time winner Novak Djokovic's exit from his side of the draw.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion said his overriding emotion was not one of sadness, but motivation to keep working hard to recapture his best form.  

"Today I am enjoying the sport. Last year I only had the chance to enjoy the sport between Indian Wells and Madrid (March to May), because in Madrid I got injured in quarter-finals," he told reporters.

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"That's the real feeling… more than titles, for sure I believe that I am going to win titles.

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