Nadal excited after win over Berdych

abu dhabi — World No. 9 Rafael Nadal seemed to have surprised himself with a ‘fantastic’ first set against Tomas Berdych. He won the Mubadala World Tennis Championship quarterfinals 6-0, 6-4.

“I played fantastic first set and enjoyed a lot. I was quick and had a great level of play,” Nadal said during the Press conference on Thursday. “I changed directions and played long enough creating damage with my forehand. I also went up to the nets. I didn’t lose my serve. That’s the way I need to play if I have to succeed. It was a great and beautiful match for me.”

Improving on his forehand, he said, was one of his main ‘goals for the year’.

He was playing after a long time and was happy with his first serves. “I am excited to be back here,” he said about playing in Abu Dhabi. “This is important tournament at the start of season.”

On playing Milos Raonic in semifinals, he said: “Raonic is a tricky player. His serve is just unbelievable. I have to be at my best and very focused.”

Meanwhile, World No. 11 David Goffin was a happy man after his win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and said he wanted to ‘maintain this level’ against Andy Murray on Friday. “Even though this is not an ATP tournament, this is the first one of the season. It is always nice to start with a win,” he said. “I am pleased with the level of my play.” Goffin had a long break with a six-week break coming into the championship.

“Yes, it’s not easy to start but I managed this match and hopefully I can get better and better until Doha and my main goal of January – Australian Open.”

He is very happy with his ‘good period during serves’. “I was solid and started the match very strong. During the end of the first set, I was thinking too much about my serve. In the second set, I tried to be more consistent and solid. And I was much better and found my rhythm.”

He is looking to continue this run. “I liked the way I played and hopefully can keep going tomorrow (Friday).”