It will be Novak Djokovic vs. Kevin Anderson–a rematch of the Wimbledon final–with the winner’s trophy of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi at stake on Saturday night. Djokovic took care of Karen Khachnov in the semis, while Anderson ousted Rafael Nadal.
Following his 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 loss to the South African, Nadal withdrew from Saturday’s third-place matchup against Khachanov. The world No. 2 insists it is only a precaution, indicating that he got more than enough match practice in advance of the 2019 season thanks to his tough three-setter against Anderson.
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“I need to take it step by step after my (ankle) surgery, but that’s a positive start,” Nadal said following the three-setter. “I am not making steps back, just steps forward all the time, taking care of my body after a while without having a chance to be on court and trying to do things slowly. It’s important for me to protect the body and to avoid tough circumstances. I know I have time to be ready for Melbourne at 100 percent.”
Djokovic still has the Abu Dhabi title tilt to play after clobbering Khachanov 6-2, 6-2 on Friday, but he is understandably looking ahead to Melbourne. The top-ranked Serb can capture a seventh title Down Under, which would allow him to currently hold three of the four slams on the heels of recent triumphs at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
“The Australian Open is a tournament where you want to shine and give your best,” Djokovic assured. “I’m really looking forward to the Australian Open because that is where I have had my most successful Grand Slam. I know I have not had a good time in the last couple of years, that great of a performance. I was injured and going through physical difficulties.
“But I’m fit this time and back to No. 1 in the world, playing good tennis in the last six months. Hopefully, I will be able to transfer that into success at the Australian Open.”
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expected developments