Rafael Nadal set for early test at Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal struggled due to injury at the end of 2018 but is now ready for action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

The upcoming Mubadala World Tennis Championship is just the test that Rafael Nadal needs heading into the new year. The Spanish veteran is a four-time champion in men’s singles at the event, winning most recently two years ago. Also in action is Novak Djokovic. Both he and Nadal have first round byes as the top two players.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams will make an appearance in Abu Dhabi, taking on one another in an exhibition match.

Action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship will reveal how Nadal is faring before we get into the 2019 ATP Tour. With the Australian Open right around the corner, all eyes are on the former world number one. Last year, he was the player to beat for much of the year, going back and forth with Swiss legend Roger Federer.

Rafael Nadal: healthy or not? We will find out at the World Tennis Championship.

Now though, Nadal’s health must be brought into question. Mid-year, Rafa clinched yet another French Open men’s singles title but then began to break down due to injury.

Multiple tournament withdrawals, including one at the end of year ATP Finals in London, littered the rest of his tour. Heading into the early 2019 action in men’s singles, Nadal will need to prove that he is healthy enough to compete at the highest of levels. Too many other great tennis players such as Djokovic and the younger stars in Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev are playing well right now.

Action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship takes place at the end of December and ought to provide some insight into Rafael Nadal before the 2019 ATP Tour. The Spanish tennis star is one of the best in men’s singles but needs to find some early momentum and confidence in his game. Abu Dhabi is his chance to kick things off.