Rafael Nadal has lost his first two matches on the 2022 Champions Tour and needs a minor miracle to reach the semi-finals of the competition. After the defeat with Felix Auger-Alyassime, the Iberian said that he was already thinking about the next season.

Rafael Nadal will “die on the court” to reach the desired level

Winner of two Grand Slam tournaments this year (Australian Open and Roland Garros), Nadal explained the lackluster results of late and said he will do his best to return to the form he wants.

“I played better than the last few days, but I couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities I had. I fought until the end. When things are going that way, it’s hard to change the dynamic when you’re faced with a service like Aliassime. The two matches here were a disaster on a psychological level, but not on a tennis level. My body, the year I spent and my personal situation do not allow me to fight for this goal.

I need to end the year on a positive note, and I don’t mean winning, but having an image to keep me going. I’m still motivated, that’s why I’m here. Winning the three games we’ve lost in these three weeks gives me peace of mind. I’m upset, I’m disappointed, but tomorrow will be a different day.

I have my doubts about Australia because everyone who goes there is very nice. If you have no doubt, it is because you are an arrogant person. When you have doubts, it makes you think about all kinds of things, work harder and stay up, realize.

Tomorrow is the start of the 2023 season for me. I don’t think I’ve forgotten how to play tennis, how to be mentally strong. I need to get back the positive feelings and all the confidence, strong thinking to be at the level I want to be. I don’t know if I’ll ever reach that level again. But I have no doubt that I will die on the pitch to get to this point!” – Rafael Nadalat the press conference.

Tournament of Champions – Green Group, standings in real time

* Wins – losses / won – lost sets

1. Taylor Fritz 1-0 / 2-0

2. Kasper Ruud 1-0 / 2-0

3. Felix Auger Aliassime 1-1 / 2-2

4. Rafael Nadal 0-2 / 0-4

Know:

• Rafael Nadal has lost four straight matches, beaten by Frances Tiafoe in the round of 16 at the US Open, Tommy Paul in the first round of the Paris Masters and Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Alassime at the 2022 Champions Tour.

• The first two places in the two groups advance to the semi-finals, where the first place in one group and the second place in the other group are played according to the system.

• Tournament of Champions matches are played on a best-of-three sets basis.