Goffin Set For Nadal Showdown

David Goffin started 2017 with every indication of reaching the Nitto ATP Finals.

As of 15 May, the nimble Belgian was fourth in the Emirates ATP Race to London as a result of an early-season run of form. Reaching the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, finals in Sofia and Rotterdam and further strong results on clay in Monte-Carlo and Madrid, Goffin seemed en route to qualifying for the season-ending championships for the first time, having played one match as an alternate last year (l. to Djokovic.)

But at Roland Garros, his season – and his ankle – took a turn. 

After an unfortunate slip on the backcourt rain tarps in his third-round encounter with Horacio Zeballos, Goffin’s season stalled, forcing him to miss Wimbledon before making a comeback on North American hard courts later in the summer. Following the US Open, it was difficult to tell if the 26 year old would be able to reclaim his early-season form.

“It was not easy to come back from my injury, that’s why I decided to play a lot of tournaments, a lot of weeks, “ said Goffin.

In Asia, Goffin put himself back in contention for a spot in London by winning his first two titles since 2014 at the Shenzhen Open and the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships, ultimately compiling a 54-22 win-loss record to reach a career-high ranking of No.8 in the Emirates ATP Rankings.

“I didn’t expect to be here at this tournament but as soon as I won two titles … I decided to continue to try to be in the tournament and that’s the case,” said the Belgian. “That was the challenge: to be part of this tournament – and I made it, so I’m happy to be here. The season is not over yet and I’m going to try to play one more week and try to do my best.”

Goffin’s focus now shifts to his opening match against Rafael Nadal, twice his conqueror in 2017.

“It’s the toughest opponent to start this campaign here at the ATP Finals,” said Goffin of Nadal. “It’s not going to be easy. It’s our first meeting on hard courts indoors; we played some good matches on clay, in Madrid for example … I’m sure I can play some good tennis against him.”

Despite only going two sets, their Madrid encounter was of the highest quality, which included several memorable highlight-reel points in the second set. Goffin remarked that playing Nadal on hard courts compared to clay courts is a completely different challenge.

“First of all, it’s faster on hard courts and the [bounce] is lower indoors. Rafa, he cannot slide on this surface. He’s more comfortable on clay and can play higher, he can play deeper; it’s really heavy when he’s hitting the ball on clay so it’s not easy to take the ball really early. 

“Here there is no bad bounce – you can take the ball early, earlier than on other surfaces,” added Goffin. “You can do a lot more winners, so that’s what I’m going to try against him in my first match. But it’s not easy, he’s such a great fighter, such a great defender and as soon as you give him a short ball it’s a winner for him. It’s never easy to play against him.”

Goffin is set to play Nadal at the Nitto ATP Finals in Monday’s evening singles.