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Rafael Nadal in 2018: Fall From Grace Or Career Year?

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain ties his bandana in his third round match against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzogovina on day five of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain ties his bandana in his third round match against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzogovina on day five of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) /
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Rafael Nadal
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Rafael Nadal of Spain wipes his head with a towel during his Men’s Singles semi-final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Statistics would say that Rafael Nadal has had a phenomenal year for any player, including one of the best to ever play in men’s singles tennis.

Rafael Nadal will finish his year with an impressive record on the ATP World Tour. Looking at his ATP singles matches, he has gone 45-4 while notching five titles, including three Masters 1000 wins and another French Open. On paper, he remains one of the greatest players in tennis today. With the year coming to a close though, fans and other players have to wonder if Nadal can keep up such a stellar pace for a full season moving forward. If injuries prove to be more than expected for Rafa, he may need to reevaluate his approach to the tour schedule.

His quote shared via social media encapsulates his 2018 ATP World Tour perfectly.

"“It has been a complicated year, very good at the tennis level when I was able to play, and at the same time very bad as far as injuries are concerned.” – Rafael Nadal"

dark. Next. RANKED: 10 Best in Open Era

Even with Rafael Nadal, the 2018 ATP Finals in London is set to feature some of the greatest names in tennis history. Djokovic and Federer headline a talented field. John Isner and Kei Nishikori have made their way into the mix due to injuries to both Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro. This year’s ATP Finals marks the first ever for the towering American veteran in Isner. He has performed well all year long and his appearance is deserved. Stay tuned to see how Rafa bounces back from his injury and how the action unfolds at the O2 Arena.

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