the year as knee problems forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open as he was in the process of being well beaten by Andy Murray.
The British number one went on to reach the final in Melbourne, but his wait for a grand slam title would continue as he was unable to stop Roger Federer collecting a record 16th crown in the major tournaments.
That would prove to be the peak of the 2010 campaign for both Murray and Federer, however, as Nadal came back fitter and better than ever at the start of the clay court season.
He would comfortably clinch a fifth French Open crown and second Wimbledon title, seeing off improving stars Robin Soderling and Tomas Berdych in the respective finals.
Novak Djokovic, who would later lead Serbia to Davis Cup glory, provided a sterner test at the US Open, but the world number three fell at the final hurdle after a terrific run at Flushing Meadows as Nadal completed the career Grand Slam as a mere 24-year-old.
Nadal understandably trailed off slightly towards the end of the season, although he seemed back to peak form at the ATP World Tour Finals in London before old rival Federer got one over on him to clinch the title and end his year on a high.
However, it was far too late to prevent Nadal from finishing the year as world number one and the rest of the ATP Tour must be taking his 2010 season as an ominous warning for the years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment