Nadal earns Melbourne Summer Set title at Cressy’s expense

Sports Desk, Jan 9 (EFE).- Rafael Nadal on Sunday claimed his first title in over six months as he won the at Melbourne Summer Set as he prepares for the upcoming Australian Open.

The Spaniard defeated US qualifier Maxime Cressy 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 in the final, showing that the foot injury that kept him out of action since losing in the third round of Citi Open in August is a thing of the past.

“I want to thank all the organization here,” Nadal said afterwards. “I feel privileged and a very lucky guy to be here again.”

“I am coming back from some challenging moments in terms of injuries, so I can’t be happier. It means a lot to be back and with a trophy in my hands,” the 35-year-old added.

The world No. 112 Cressy, however, made Nadal sweat for it, as he delivered on serve throughout the first set despite facing a few break points, pushing the frame into a tiebreaker.

Then, Cressy had a set point, but the Spaniard managed to rally and take the opener.

In the early going of the second set, Nadal immediately recovered from a service break to level 2-2 and then claimed another break for 5-3, which proved to be decisive.

The Spaniard will be hoping to add to his solitary tournament win in Melbourne, which came in 2009, although he has reached the final four times since. EFE

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