Beaten Nadal sets eyes on Aussie Open

CHENNAI, India: Rafael Nadal was confident he would recover for the Australian Open despite being thrashed by Russian Mikhail Youzhny in the Chennai Open final on Sunday.

The Spanish world No 2 lost 6-0, 6-1 to the Russian fourth seed after looking clearly exhausted following Saturday's marathon four-hour semifinal win over compatriot Carlos Moya.

"I'm not the one who puts any excuses on defeat," he told reporters. "I could do nothing today, so I lost. I needed more time for recovery."

Nadal looked forward to the Grand Slam in Melbourne starting on January 14.

"I have one week to go for the Australian Open and I'll do my best to win," he said.

"I had no physical problem today, but I was feeling very tired," he said. "That is the reason I called the trainer.

"I've started my season playing very well and I'm confident," he said. "I hope I'll have a very good tournament."

The 21-year-old French Open champion praised Youzhny, saying the Russian No 2 gave him little chance for a comeback.

"Youzhny played at an unbelievable level, I congratulate him."

The 25-year-old Russian, the world No 19, displayed the touch that helped Russia reach the Davis Cup final last month, and was gracious in victory.

"Yesterday was like a final, Rafa played a great match against Carlos," he said. "Today Rafa was not quite Rafa."

Youzhny said he realized during the second set that Nadal was in no shape to fight back.

The Russian No 2 won his fourth career title and narrowed his record against Nadal to 6-4 to the Spaniard.

"At the start of the tournament I began slowly, but after each match I've played better and better."

Youzhny, whose best at the Australian Open was a fourth round in 2003, said he was not looking too far ahead this time.

"I'll think about the first week and then, if I win, about the quarterfinal."

Agencies

(China Daily 01/08/2008 page22)