Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Rafael Nadal has remained optimistic throughout one of the most depressing years of his career, with the Spaniard saying he still never doubted that he would make the field for the eight-man World Tour Finals later this month In London.

“I always believed that I was gonna be in the top eight at the end of the season,” said the seventh seed at the Paris Masters. “I’m humble enough to say, ‘If I keep playing bad, it’s probably gonna be trouble,’ but I had the feeling in some moments that I gonna play better. I always thought that I gonna qualify, but a few months ago I was not enjoying (my tennis).”

“I believe my level is to be there in the top eight, so even if I had the tough moments this year, the year is long, and the normal thing is you have some good weeks to qualify for it (London finals).”

Nadal has ended a major slump which robbed him of form and mental strength. But, two finals (Beijing, Basel) from his last three events have gotten most of his mojo back.

“I was not enjoying on court and not feeling myself competitive. The story now is different, I’m enjoying on court. I don’t have that nerves that I had during the season.  Doesn’t matter if I lose, I win, but I am enjoying on court, I am enjoying on practice court, so I’m gonna be there (in London).”

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.