Abu Dhabi : Rafael Nadal concluded his prolonged pre-season by successfully defending his Mubadala World Tennis Championship title with a 6-4, 7-6 victory over David Goffin on Saturday.

Nadal Beat Goffin
Nadal Beat Goffin Defending His Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Nadal, who ended his 2016 season in October to focus on fully rehabilitating a left wrist injury, looked sharp throughout the tournament in Abu Dhabi, beating Tomas Berdych in the quarter-final and Milos Raonic in the semis to reach his fifth final.

But the Spaniard, 30, was given his toughest test in the final by an opponent who has become a fan favourite this week. Goffin, 26, has been in fine form in the capital, dispatching Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray en route to his showdown with Nadal.

The only break of the first set came at the most crucial time when Goffin was serving at 4-5, but the second set proved a far more topsy-turvy battle. Breaks were twice exchanged, before Goffin created four chances to break for 6-5, only for the typically scrappy Nadal to hold.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal Wins Mubadala Tennis Championships 2016

After a Goffin hold, the set and ultimately the match was decided by a tie-break, with Nadal prevailing 7-5 to clinch his fourth Mubadala title.

Nadal will now head to Australia for the Brisbane International, whereas Goffin makes the short journey to Doha for the Qatar Open.