A very positive Rafa Nadal has left the ATP World Tour Finals today and said (after losing his match against Novak Djokovic  7-6 (5) and 6-3) that “you can’t  always be at a hundred percent and I have to accept it”, perhaps I missed “a more defined game plan.”

This loss “is not too disappointing, no,” he said. “It’s only disappointing if you arrive here with the feeling that you have a big chance to win. But I didn’t arrive here with that feeling”.

“Every day I tried my best but the batteries sometimes finish and you have to buy another one. That’s what I’m going to do for next year. Recharge and practise hard”.

“Only by practicing hard can you get back to your best level. That’s what I did all my life. When you feel better physically, you can play more aggressive.”

Now to the future! - Next week’s Davis Cup final against Czech Republic in Barcelona on clay could put a smile back on Rafa’s face and maybe help him regain his confidence.

 “That’s a big motivation for me, to finish the year winning,” Rafa told reporters as he looked forward to Spain’s Davis Cup title defence.

“I have the opportunity there to play well, to play good tennis on clay and to win, to win something important for my country and for friends.”

Vamos Rafa!