Nadal looks for positives after defeat

Two final appearances in Abu Dhabi and Doha and though the Spaniard lost, the world No 2 look at the positives of playing at his best ahead of the Australian Open.

Life looked just perfect for Rafael Nadal as he cruised towards what would have been his first title for eight months against a hapless Nikolay Davydenko in the final of the Qatar Open. More than two hours after the imperious Nadal had inflicted the dreaded "bagel" on his Russian rival in an embarrassingly one-sided opening set, the Spaniard was trudging off the Doha court a forlorn figure wondering how he had become the victim of an amazing Davydenko fightback.

Confidence is a key factor approaching grand slams, and Nadal had it in bucketloads until that Saturday night transformation. Now he heads for Melbourne to prepare for his Australian Open defence less sure of himself than he had been in winning the season-opening exhibition in Abu Dhabi and roaring into the Qatar final without dropping a set. Nadal understandably looked for the positives after his productive fortnight in the Middle East. "It was very important to come and play here," he said. "I am happy that I played my top tennis in Abu Dhabi and Doha."

Andy Roddick looks like being one of the main challengers to Nadal and Roger Federer for Australian Open glory. The American found himself in a similar situation to Nadal when Radek Stepanek rallied from a losing position in yesterday's final of the Brisbane International. Unlike Nadal, Roddick was able to hold off his resurgent opponent and gained a big morale-booster for Melbourne from his 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (9-7) win.

A 28th career title surpassed Roddick's expectations as he feels his way back after missing the end of the last campaign through a knee injury. Federer, meanwhile, has withdrawn from his traditional Open warm-up - the eight-man exhibition in Kooyong - creating concern at the level of the world No 1's form and fitness going into the season's first grand slam. @Email:[e-mail]