Rafael Nadal played down concerns about any knee problems after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Roger Federer in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday.
For the first time this week, the World No. 1 played with tape under his right knee, leading to questions over his fitness after a busy season. But Nadal was quick to dismiss those queries, insisting he has no worries as the end-of-year ATP World Tour Finals approach.
"I don't want to talk about that [the knee] now, sorry, but after losing a final is not the moment," he said after the 6-4, 6-3 loss. "I am not worried though."
With the World Tour Finals taking place in London next month, it remains to be seen which, if any, tournaments Nadal will play beforehand, and he – like Federer - is not clear on the issue. "I don't know [if I will play Basel or Paris]," he added. "I need to think about it. I cannot tell you [what the schedule will be]."
Sunday's final was decided by a break of Nadal's serve in each set, the elegant Federer working openings to pick up an impressive victory. And his opponent – and recent doubles partner at the Laver Cup – was very impressed by his Swiss foe.
"It was a very difficult match for me," said Nadal. "He played very fast and he played well. I don't know how many unforced errors he made. I could have done some things better, but that's it. He just played too good. That's my point of view. So congratulations to him."
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