Rafael Nadal began the new decade in the best possible way with a title and a sizeable cash reward in the Middle East.

Nadal saw off the challenge of Robin Soderling, the Swede who outplayed him at the ATP World Finals in November. It was always going to be much closer on a slower hard court and Nadal won a hard-fought encounter 7-6, 7-5.

Soderling had his chances in the first set, missing two set points and Nadal showed why you can hardly afford to miss any opportunities against the world number two.

 "I'm very happy, I played a very good match,'' said Nadal. "I think Robin right now is one of the most difficult players on the tour to play against. This is a very important win for me. I'm playing my best on court, probably since Roland Garros last year.”

Nadal will be relieved after coming under pressure last year for failing to beat a top ten player after his return from injury. The Spaniard’s weight of shot and considerable muscle mass appeared to have dramatically lessened, something he has been working on during an intense off season training regime.

Many have been writing off Nadal’s chances of regaining his Australian Open title but if he takes this form into Doha and then Melbourne he is definitely up there with the top favourites.
As for Soderling it has been a breakthrough few days for him after finally beating his nemesis Roger Federer on Friday. The Swede continues to progress in leaps and bounds.