Rafael Nadal hasn’t lost three straight games in his career, and it’s the first time since 2009. Since Wimbledon, the Spaniard has been dealing with an abdominal issue. Playing only six games since his withdrawal before the All-England Club semi-final.
Despite the agony, he advanced to the fourth round of the US Open despite losing three straight matches to young Americans. Nadal lost to Frances Tiafoe in New York in four sets, and Spaniard missed two months of play as a result.
At the Paris Masters, he made a comeback but lost to Tommy Paul 3-6. Despite building a set and break advantage, 7-6, 6-1! Rafa squandered his opportunity in the second set and was completely out of gas in the decider serious stomach discomfort.
Current Premier League Standings
The Spaniard began his 11th ATP Finals campaign in Turin against Taylor Fritz, hoping for a stronger run, but lost 7-6, 6-1. With 22 wins and 15 turnovers, the American used the fast indoor court to dominate pace and enforce his strokes.
Fritz avoided break points by protecting his backhand and containing the opponent’s forehand to defeat him, in the discussions. The only aspect of Nadal’s game that was effective, especially in the second set, was his serving.
The Spaniard held on and won the first set in a tiebreak by fending off three break points. He did, however, start it with a double fault, which gave Taylor a 7-3 advantage. He did, however, start it with a double fault, which gave Taylor a 7-3 advantage.
When the ATP Finals began, Rafael Nadal was defeated by Taylor Fritz
In the fourth game of the second set, Nadal flubbed a forehand error and lost a game point, falling 3-1 behind. In the following game, the American solidified his advantage with a hold at 15, then made a strong comeback in game six. After Nadal’s double fault, Fritz took advantage of his fifth breaking the tie and served to win at 5-1.
In game seven, Fritz held at 15 to advance and win his first ATP Finals match. Carlos Moya, Rafa’s coach, is aware that his player needs to improve if he wants to advance to the semifinals. Moya is confident that Nadal can adapt his practice court form to competition.
I’m eager to see him go up against Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“It’s not the best start we could expect. Still, that’s the good thing about this tournament, as you still have a chance to qualify even after having a bad day.
There is still a chance; obviously, Rafa will have to play better, and we hope he will do it. Taylor did not allow Rafa to play his game. Rafa served well, but the other parts of his game needed improvement. The opponent was just too strong in the fast conditions. Rafa plays well on the practice court, but he can not find a way to bring that level to the matches,”
Carlos Moya stated.
Follow us on Twitter for more tennis updates
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
