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Nadal wins Mubadala Tennis Championships 2016 in Abu Dhabi

Xinhua, December 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

Spain's Rafael Nadal, 14-times Grand Slam singles winner, defeated Belgian David Goffin 6-4, 7-6 on Saturday to win the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The world number nine disrupted 11th ranked Goffin's rhythm as he had planned before the final, by switching sides and changing from slice balls to high balls on the center court of the International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City.

Nadal, 30, trailed at 3-1 in the first set but regained advantage over Goffin, who overcame world number one Andy Murray in the semifinals.

In the second set, the game was dragged into the tiebreak where Nadal forced a number of errors from the 26-year-old and won 7-5.

"I really enjoyed the experience, and I am hopeful to come back next year," said runner-up Goffin who is now Belgium's best male tennis professional since this year.

"I feel comfortable, you like the court and the support is great in Abu Dhabi, I feel the love of the people and I wish everybody a Happy New Year," said Nadal. Endit