Nadal: I will fight back

AFTER what can only be described as a disappointing year, tennis ace Rafael Nadal has vowed he will fight back in 2012.

Rafa started 2011 as world number one but was knocked off the top spot by Novak Djokovic after losing both the Wimbledon and US Open to the Serbian.

But after a year of exhausting matches plagued by knee and foot problems, heat stroke – and even tummy bugs – Nadal has spoken of his will to continue fighting.

“My head was good during the first half of the year, but not perfect, because I needed just little bit more in my matches against Djokovic.

“But it’s been OK. I have accepted these defeats.

“My game has been too predictable. I was too predictable in many moments of the season and those are things that must be recovered by 2012.

“In 2011 there have been times where I have missed that extra something. But I say to myself: ‘If I do a bit more I will be nearly back to winning again’.”

Nadal added that he aimed to regain his top level for this year’s key tournaments including Indian Wells, Wimbledon and the London Olympic Games.