Rafael Nadal’s run at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome is over as he lost 6-4, 3-6, 3-6 to No.2 seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final.
“He’s one of the best in the world, he’s playing great. I played well for moments, I had my chances for moments, but I could have done with a little more energy at times. My legs didn’t answer me after a tough week. I was able to find positive things during the tournament but I played three very tough matches this week and it was very hard mentally, as well as physically. I was a little bit tired,” said Rafa.
“I felt that Novak was pushing me and has a great talent to play inside the lines, I think this week is important for me. I won 600 points. I was able to play in another final here. I was able to compete well against one of the best players of the moment. I arrive to Roland Garros now more encouraged than how I felt a few weeks ago.”
Rafa will head to the French Open, which begins next Sunday, where he will try to defend his title and win a 14th Grand Slam.
Win or lose, always with Rafa!
Source: AP / Photos: TennisTV, AP Photo, Reuters, Getty Images
I’m still upset but at the same time happy that Rafa played better in Rome than the previous clay tournaments. The result didn’t surprise me. I think Rafa was playing way too far from the baseline which was an advantage for Novak as it gave him extra time to position himself closer to the baseline or inside and hit the return early. When Rafa is playing far back from the baseline, he tries to hit the ball harder so it doesn’t land short, surely that can be tiring….hence the fatigue. Last year Rafa as he said himself was playing close to the baseline and at times inside which gave him ample time to hit the ball early and with precision. Anyway, Love you Rafa win or lose and we hope you win your 14th Grand slam. VAMOS!