Rafael Nadal claimed “only” seven ATP titles in 2011 and 2012. Struggling with injuries, Nadal could not add more trophies to his tally following Roland Garros, with extended pauses before lifting more ATP crowns during the following season.
Rafa changed that in Sao Paul 2013, gathering a boost and returning to where he belonged. Nadal experienced a massive loss to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon 2012 and took a seven-month break to treat his troubled left knee. Unable to make a comeback at the beginning of 2013, Rafa hit the court again in Vina del Mar in February, embracing the South American Golden Swing and hoping to regain form as soon as possible.
Rafa scored three commanding wins and advanced into the final, where he fell to Horacio Zeballos 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 in two hours and 47 minutes! A week later, the Spaniard entered an indoor clay event in Sao Paulo. Rafa went all the way to celebrate his first ATP title in eight months and only the second under a roof after Madrid 2005!
It was the beginning of Nadal’s incredible streak in 2013, conquering ten titles and finishing as the year-end no. 1 player for the first time in three years. Still not at 100% and with a roof above his head, Rafa did not produce his best tennis in Brazil.
Unlike a week ago when he was two points away from…
