Rafael Nadal beat Milos Raonic 7-6(2), 6-3 to win the World Tennis Championship exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves to Milos Raonic of Canada during the final match of Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Milos Raonic of Canada during their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Milos Raonic of Canada during their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Milos Raonic of Canada during the final match of Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action against Milos Raonic of Canada during their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action against Milos Raonic of Canada during their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) is congratulated by Milos Raonic (R) of Canada after winning their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal signs autographs after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) poses with his trophy after defeating Milos Raonic (R) of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) is congratulated by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan (C), head of the UAE Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, after defeating Milos Raonic (R) of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) poses with his trophy next to Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan (C), head of the UAE Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, after defeating Milos Raonic (R) of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses with his trophy after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, January 2, 2016. REUTERS/Stringer EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE
Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses with his trophy after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada in their final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 02 January 2016. (Tenis) EFE/EPA/ALI HAIDER
Rafa wrapped up the first set in 54 minutes after dominating a tie-break. Raonic was then broken in the fourth game of the second set and Nadal consigned him to defeat in a showdown that lasted an hour and a half. (via sportal.com)
Our champ will next play in the season-opening Qatar Open, which starts on Monday.
VAMOS DEAR RAFA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Congratulations on winning the TOUR, on your solid wins & on your brilliant Tennis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) It is such joy to see you hit those unbelievable RETURNS ….. & your speedy movement & court coverage…….AND your VOLLEYS & creative NET winners……AND …………YOUR FANTASTIC SERVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!! So strong & powerful …..ACES & ALL !!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) It was particularly awesome how you played various speed with all the players you played against……. YOU ARE A GENIUS!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
Very nice seeing your great post match reflection interviews , videos & photos!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Your sincerity when shaking your opponent’s hand at the end of each match is so very endearing and classy!!!!!!! : ) : ) I admire that about you so much because we can see it puts them at ease , and that is true sportsmanship in its best!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a chance to watch the REPLAYS & that was fantastic all over again…..YOUR FOCUS is a treasure & so is your TENNIS WISDOM on the court!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE A MAGNIFICENT CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
Last but not least LOVED hearing all the various commentators, the folks covering the matches be entirely thrilled to pieces with your strong powerful game!!!! They all offered their high regard & compliments with your current form , your current level, & they focused throughout the matches on your brilliant stride & amazing game. Each time you placed a sparkly winner they were elated with your great play!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : )
Have lots & lots of fun playing DEAR RAFA and a great time enjoying your BEAUTIFUL TENNIS. Next tour will be GREAT FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can take Novak and the rest of them with your hands tied back playing your genius TENNIS point by point gliding your magic on the court!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : )
VAMOS ………..VAMOS…………..VAMOS………………
Robinson’s documentary was beautiful! I loved the beginning when you were driving and chatting w him in the car…..your country side is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YOUR LA BAMBA singing was the best !!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
Congrats rafa
good win to start the season
Don’t got to watch both matches, but watching highlights it was great to see a higher percentage of rafa shots landing beyond sevice box area though now rafa must able to hit that arear consistently even when playing 2 feet behind baseline i.e. rafa must make strong defence which is rafa strength
Also rafa must be a little quick while attacking the ball
Enjoy the win and good luck for doha
Vamos rafa vamos
Congratulations on winning against Milos Raonic today Rafa: We watched the match. Very EXTREMLEY HAPPY FOR YOU. Great way to start the new season. God bless you in every way Rafa. Love you, Marylynn.
Congratulations Rafael. I knew you could show the “doubting Thomases” that you were still the “Champ”. My grand nephews are taking me to the first Saturday of the Australian Open (Family Day). Will you be playing Rafa on this day? Being a draw-card, you will probably be playing on Centre Court, in which case I will not be able to see your match! Could you please enlighten me? Happy New Year n God bless you. Vamos Rafa. Love your Aussie Abuela. xxx😀😊😇🎈🎈🎈
That’s incredible fan SHIRLEY TAYA ………hopefully arrangements can be made and you will meet Rafa & watch HIS match …….!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Always nice to read your fan comments here!!! : )
Great start for the season…congratz Rafa
These last two matches have been as well competitive as any MS, very good played and better by Rafa, he looked very focus, confident, more aggressive, good points on the net and good serve
Here is the Highlights of the final
http://youtu.be/q6NGS4c9wqE
Umnn……..
Deep Thinker will like to adopt a wait-and-see position for now.
The real test is at Doha.
We’ll see.
What a great start to 2016 Rafa long may it continue x
Nadal: I dont wanna talk about 2015 anymore. We are in 2016, I’ve talked enough about 2015 in the past year. I wanna talk about today & tmrw
I am so happy that RAFA has won in Abu Dhabi, and as you can see the quote above in his own words- let’s forget 2015 and move forward. We are in 2016 and the start is sweet. Seeing him bite that trophy is FABULOUS. Ha Ha.Love this guy, more bites in 2016.
RAFA fan forever
Great start of the season. Congrats. Vamos Rafa <3 <3 <3
I really wish you would not put who won the match in the headline. Many of us wait to watch the match and if we open our email, there the result is… Couldn’t you give a teaser and then say who won in the body of the message? It really ruins the matches for me and I’m sure I am not alone.
Great confidence builder to start the year-have a fantastic 2016! Keep it rolling-more 🏆 to savour and bite!