RAFAEL NADAL had one of best seasons in 2010, as he won three grand slams, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. A lot was expected when he started his 2011 season, but he could not live up to those expectations, as he won only one grand slam, the French Open. Though, he did win some other ATP tournaments in the first half of the season.

He had a good run during the first half of the season, but his game began to falter in the latter part of the season. The reasons could be many, pressure to perform, injuries, too many tournaments, hectic travelling schedule, played a part in his below-par quality of tennis. While he was struggling, he spoke against the hectic ATP schedule.

The competition also got stronger in the year, with players such as Murray, Djokovic, and Federer keeping the Spaniard, Nadal at close heels, whenever a major tournament came through. Djokovic was a major reason why Nadal could not win major tournaments. Djokovic defeated Nadal in two grand slam finals, US Open and Wimbledon.  

The injury that he suffered during the Australian Open (hamstring) did not play a major role in his game compared to the injury he suffered on his foot during Wimbledon. It did not put him in a good stead for the latter half of the season, as witnessed in the tournaments that followed. After recovering from the injury, he put up a disappointing show during the Rogers cup as well as the Cincinnati Open. In the events that followed these tournaments, he could not make any mark in the Japan Open Tennis Championship, Shanghai masters, etc. It was his rival, Roger Federer, who was looked in ominous form, as the season came to an end - winning a number of tournaments. Many predict a grand season for Federer in 2012.

Nadal is expected to be ready for 2012 season with high spirits, and would want to improve upon his performance of 2011 too. He will be expecting to put up a good show in the Mubadala World tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. Two great players, Nadal and Federer, along with a number of players have agreed to participate in the event along with Djokocvic. Though it is not considered an ATP event, still a win will set up the next year nicely for Nadal.