For the 2nd time in his career
Rafael Nadal was lifting a trophy in the Rod Laver arena in Melbourne.
The win came over Maxime Cressy and it was the first time Nadal lifted a trophy in Australia since the 2009 Australian Open. That was the only final of that grand slam he ever played and he won it. Like this win, that one came on the same court. Nadal loves the Rod Laver Arena admitting after the match:
“This court has always been very, very special for me. The Rod Laver
Arena is very, very special for everyone and it is more special because
of you guys. You guys are a great crowd and I can’t thank you enough.”
Graceful as ever, Nadal also paid tributo to the organizers saying:
“I want to thank all the organisation here. I feel privileged and a very lucky guy to be here again. I am coming back from some challenging moments in terms of injuries, so I can’t be happier. It means a lot to be back and with a trophy in my hands.”
After the event, it's break time for Nadal who will take next week off and prepare for the Australian Open. He is not far removed from an injury so he will have to control his load this early in the season. All in all, a great week full of positives.