Rafael Nadal said he would have to redouble his efforts to return to form after the worst year of his career if he is to get the better of World No.1 Novak Djokovic next year.
Rafael Nadal said he would have to redouble his efforts to return to form after the worst year of his career if he is to get the better of World No.1 Novak Djokovic next year.
Nadal’s world ranking sunk to number 10 in 2015 when his long reign as French Open champion ended, before embarrassingly early exits from Wimbledon and the US Open.
But the Spaniard, who has 14 Grand Slam titles to his name, is enjoying a resurgence in form and said his defeat to Djokovic in the World Tour Finals semis on Saturday would not dishearten him as he prepares for 2016.
“My next step is just keep practising the way that I am doing. I know I need to keep improving things if I want to have chances against Novak next year,” the 29-year-old said.
“That’s what I am going to try. Just keep working the way that I am doing. I think I am doing well.
“Very few moments in my career I get frustrated. When one player is better than you, the only thing you can do is try to find (a) solution,” he added.
The World No.5 beat Andy Murray, David Ferrer and Stan Wawrinka in the group stages at London’s O2 Arena in the season-ending World Tour Finals, disputed between the world’s top eight players.
But a red-hot Djokovic proved a class apart, winning their semifinal clash 6-3, 6-3.
