Rafael Nadal will finish the year at World No. 5 in the current ATP rankings and admitted that the 2015 season has been “the most difficult” so far in his career.

In an interview with Tertulion Playtime via cope.es, the Spanish star admitted that he had a rough start to the season but that he never stopped working and training. Nadal stated that control of emotions was crucial as he started playing better in the second half of the ATP season.

Nadal, who turned pro in 2001, has won just three titles in 2015 and will finish outside the Top 3 for just the second time in the last 11 years. The total number of titles is the lowest since 2004 when he won only a single title and will match his total output in 2011, when he also struggled with various injuries like in the past two seasons.

Moreover, Nadal shared that he ended the season reenergised and that will be key for the next ATP season, which begins January. The 2015 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year. Nadal admitted as well that a majors title is still in his mind and said that he will keep working to win another Grand Slam title.

The 29-year-old Nadal has won 14 Grand Slam titles in his career with nine majors win at his favourite, the French Open. Nadal is with tennis legend Pete Sampras for total Grand Slam titles and three short of rival Roger Federer, who holds the all-time record with 17 majors.

Additionally, Nadal stressed in the interview that people should not blame his coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, for his struggles in the 2015 season. The Spanish player said he prefers to blame himself rather than his coaches or other members of his team.

Nadal also showed respect to current World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, saying that the Serbian is the man to beat in the next few years.

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