By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday December 18, 2021
Andrey Rublev completed his title run at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, while Rafael Nadal finished fourth.
Rublev, the current World No.5, knocked off Andy Murray in Saturday’s final, 6-4, 7-6(2), as Denis Shapovalov topped Rafael Nadal 6-7(4), 6-3, 10-6 in the third place match.
Murray, who had defeated Nadal in the semis, rallied from a break down in the second set but fell short in the tiebreak to lose in 95 minutes.
“It’s my third time here and I always love coming," Rublev said. "You get quality matches against top players. It’s great to have these types of matches ahead of the new season, that’s why we are here; it’s great preparation. “It’s a huge pleasure to share a court with Andy. He is a special player; a true legend and it was a great match. I think the spectators enjoyed it and that is what we are playing tennis for."
Nadal hinted that he is still not 100 percent sure that he will play the Australian Open, but he did express confidence in his form as his comeback begins.
“I made a couple of mistakes that I shouldn’t have, but it’s been a positive week, having the opportunity to practice outdoor in great weather, and play with great players. I was able to show a competitive level in two matches this week and that is a very positive thing for me. I still believe I will be competitive as I have been for the past 15 years, and I have the motivation and passion to achieve my goals.”