Shanghai: World number two Rafael Nadal is convinced he will start winning titles again soon, despite coming up short in the Shanghai Masters final.
On the comeback trail after knee and abdominal injuries, the 23-year-old Spaniard reached the semi-finals in Beijing last week and lost 7-6, 6-3 to Nikolay Davydenko on Sunday.
“I just can say I am going to work hard to be at my best as soon as possible and I am not seeing myself very far off that,” said Nadal, who plays the Paris Masters and World Tour Finals in London before rounding off his season with the Davis Cup final.
“I would love to have a title, but if I am still playing like this in Paris and London, it’s difficult, sure,” he added.
“The best players are there. But in Paris I expect to have another chance to play a good tournament. And if you are there all the time semi-finals, final, you’re going to win.”
“I don’t know when, but you’re going to win.”
Nadal started the year by winning five of the first 10 tournaments, including his sixth grand slam title at the Australian Open.
After his win at the Madrid Masters in early May, however, he has failed to clinch another as the injuries took their toll.
Nadal said Sunday was the first time since his return that he had competed with a top player at 100 percent.
“Today is a loss but it is a positive loss,” he said. “I expect to be here for a long time and play without problems for a few more years.”
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 20:44