Eight-time champion Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Barcelona Open in the third round by Fabio Fognini.
Fabio’s 6-4, 7-6 (6) victory was his second consecutive win on clay over our champ, following his three sets victory in the semi-finals in Rio de Janeiro in February.
Win or lose, ALWAYS with RAFA!
Photo via Mundo Deportivo
Photo via Mundo Deportivo
Photo via Mundo Deportivo
Photo via Mundo Deportivo
Photo via Mundo Deportivo
Photo via Mundo Deportivo
Photo: Barcelona Open
Toujours avec Rafa dans la victoire comme dans la défaite ; I love you Rafa
I think everyone should just cut Rafa some slack and be patient with him. He is
working on raising his level of confidence and holding his nerves during those crucial
moments of the match which has never posed a problem for him before in his career.
I still feel if Rafa was able to relax more, he would have won the match. Again,
overcoming this hurdle takes time and eventually he will achieve his goal like before!
It’s a process and it takes time. Even for a great champion!
Remember the old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day!”
Since he has amazed and entertained us for the past 10 years winning almost everything
in sight the fans always expect him to win. Remember he is only human. No one
can win every single match!
The great thing about losses is you learn something valuable from them, make the
necessary adjustments and move on from them. Win or lose Rafa is still Rafa!
Rafa will always be a driving force in tennis! Vamos!
Disappointed but I am sure everyone is unhappy. You have spoiled us and it is easy to be a fan for a winner. We will not give up and I am sure you will not either. On to the next tournament it willget better!
Change your attitude or stop playing tennis tournements.
win or loss, always with Rafa 🙂
I think his whole team were seated too close to him in this match.The usual Rafa came back in the tie break but he could not finish it out.Fognini is a very unpredictable player. ard to know which Fognini will turn up.
As I look at the photo of Rafa’s dad, Uncle Toni, his physio, etc., I am wondering what they are thinking. Knowing Rafa’s fragile psyche, I wonder if they are dreading his reaction after that loss to Fabio and if they can be successful in bucking him up before the French Open. In regard to something you wondered a few weeks back about getting a new coach for him, it is hard for me to imagine someone outside his cocoon gaining his trust as they try to help him. I feel sorry for Rafa right now, as it must be tough to see two defeats in a row on his surface. Let’s hope the team can find the right solution for him as less experienced, younger, and tougher opponents show their skills and endurance against him.
Phyl S From iPad
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What ever is going on at the moment it isn’t working changes need to be made or I think Rafa tennis career will come to an end please bring in another member to your team one who can build up your confidence a fresh pair of eyes who can get your game back on track and improve the areas you are failing in please there are so many good new players coming up I think Rafa needs to decide if he wants a future in tennis if so please find a solution and fast tennis won’t be the same without you you are only 28 many more years ahead if that’s what you want x
Don’t know what to say, devastated! I was certain Rafa would win this match and go on to win the tournament but it wasn’t to be. Been a Rafa fan for at least 10 years and always will be. Vamos Rafa!
Oh, my goodness! I guess Fognini was playing the villain today. I am afraid that will be a real tough thing for Rafa to deal with. He says he is in tiptop condition, so I am wondering if he is mentally ready for everyone. I am so disappointed!
Phyl S From iPad
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Awww it’s almost unbearable. I love him so and it is so difficult to watch him struggle so. What has happened Rafa.
Do yall think Raf shd go back to his old racket?
Shdnt he also work on his first serve?
I feel devastated after learning of Rafa’s loss to Fognini. This is his second consecutive loss to the same player on the same surface. I guess Rafa’s team should start to regroup and assess seriously his performance in recent tournaments in preparation for Roland Garros. At any rate, I wiill always be a RAFAnatic, forever!
No problem Rafa 💗. Love you always. You played the best you cud. But you know, we hv lil time before the french open, v need to shut all mouths. You r the best. Der will never ever be another Rafa 💗 💖 💛. V need to c you play till you r not able to lift the racquet.
Till 09 years old. Will always be your loyal fan till I die. Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee you always. 🌷🌽🌼🌺🌻🌹🍂🍀🌸⛄🌾🍃🍁💟💖💝💗💕💙💚💚
So disappointed. Glimpses of the old Rafa against Almagro yesterday, but not enough to beat Fognini today. This is sad. Admit that I don’t hold out great hopes for the FO.
I’m gutted after the great match he played against Ferrer in Monte Carlo I thought the Rafa we know was on his way back to the top but after today’s match it doesn’t look that way I will always support Rafa win or lose but he is losing matches against players who in the past he has beaten easily and at the moment I don’t think Rafa will even be in the final of the French Open its heart wrenching to see
I don’t know what i should say. It’s just disappointing. All the best Rafa. Always with you. Vamos!
Rafael will always have full support but devastated for him. His face saddened me . Thought he would win tie breaker but he has not one bit of luck . Rafa for ever
still love you but maybe you should change back to your old racket
Still cheering for my Rafa. Love him, win or lose.
Fell the same way… just wish we knew what is wrong, as he is not the Rafa we know and love, so confused, don’t know which Rafa is going to play that day. I get to nervous watching…