Nadal overcomes Söderling to win the 2010 Capitala World Tennis Championship

02 Jan, 2010

Rafael Nadal, the world number two, overcame a spirited Robin Söderling to win the Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi today.

In front of a sold-out Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Nadal looked in command from the beginning to win 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 and secure the showpiece event for the first time.

It was a sweet victory for the Spaniard who made it through to the final last year but fell to Andy Murray.

had done his homework on Söderling who has been in fine touch throughout the tournament having beaten world number one Roger Federer in the semi-final.

Nadal said:

“If you want to have any chance against him, you have to play long, be close to the baseline and try to play all the time with good rhythm. I’m very happy, I played a very good match.”

“I think Robin right now is one of the most difficult players on the tour to play against.  His serve is incredible, he has a very good forehand, a very good backhand so it is difficult to stop him.”

The win was also Nadal’s first victory over Söderling in three matches. The pair enjoys a strong rivalry, with Söderling having the wood on Nadal recently with big wins at the French Open and Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

“This is a very important win for me,” Nadal said.  I’m playing my best ever on court, probably since Roland Garros last year.  I’ve worked very hard and it’s nice to start the season like I did. I had a very good two matches; against David, and today I played a little bit better.  It’s a very good day for me.

“I hope to continue playing at this level.  If I still play at this level, I think I have the chance to do good things.”

Roger Federer, meanwhile, bounced back from his loss to Söderling yesterday to sweep aside David Ferrer 6-1 7-5.

Federer looked in sublime touch and is now looking forward to the season ahead.

“For me, it’s important to come over here and have a perfect preparation, getting back in to the swing of things,” Federer said.

“Most important was that I got matches, so I get the feel for returning, for serving. I think it’s good that I’ve had two different types of players, one baseline and one more aggressive guy, so I’m very well prepared now.”