Rafael Nadal finished his ATP finals campaign on a positive note on Thursday as he snapped a four-match losing streak with a victory over Casper Ruud.

There was nothing to play for in terms of the tournament, with Nadal already eliminated after defeats by Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Ruud was, however, guaranteed to win the group to progress to the semi-finals.

But, aside from extra ranking points and prize money, Nadal’s 7-5 7-5 victory also gives him something to hang onto as he turns his thoughts to preparing for next season.

“I have been practising well, just probably not enough matches to be at the level I needed to be, not enough confidence after six tough months. But that’s how it is,” said the 36-year-old. “Accept that things didn’t go the way that I wanted. At least I finished with a positive victory. It’s important. I’m happy for that.”

Wins have been hard to come by for Nadal since the French Open, but 2022 has still been one of the most remarkable seasons of the Spaniard’s career.

Having arrived in Australia in January wondering whether a chronic foot condition might spell the end, he went on to win the Australian Open and French Open in the same year for the first time.

His tally of 22 grand slam titles is more than any man in history.

“I can’t ask for more —- 2022, even if it has been a tough last six months, two grand slams, finishing the year in my highest point on the ranking, I can’t complain at all,” said Nadal.

“At my age, being able to achieve and be competitive means a lot to me. For 2023, let’s try to have the proper preparation, work the right way and then start the season with the right energy and the right attitude that I need to be competitive from the beginning. I’m excited about it,” he explained.

In the late singles match, American Fritz beat Canadian Auger-Aliassime in three sets, 7-6 (4) 6-7 (5) 6-2, to progress from the Green Group along with Ruud.

(dpa/NAN)