Rafael Nadal disagrees with Andy Murray’s assessment that the standard at the top of the men's game has significantly increased this year.
"I do not agree," Nadal told reporters in Shanghai. "I think Djokovic, yes. I played worse than last year. I was very regular, probably even more regular than last year. I think Roger [Federer] played well, but he lost a few matches than in the past he never gonna lose."
The Spaniard added that he isn’t sure whether the Nadal of 2010 would beat the Nadal of 2011. "I believe Rafa 2010 had something more special than Rafa 2011, especially in tough situations. That's the true. Win or lose depends on very, very, very small things. And probably these very, very small things I did a little bit better in 2010 than 2011… Djokovic this year already won a lot of tournaments. Don't believe that he changed his game unbelievable. He did a few small things better than a few years ago and that's why his big success this year. That's what I gonna try. But I am not agree with what Andy said. I think the level, no, wasn't better than 2010 or 2009. I think was similar. For my part and Roger's part a little bit worse for the moment."