Rafael Nadal is out of the US Open after losing a five-set, third-round thriller to Italian Fabio Fognini at Flushing Meadows.
Rafa won the first two sets of the night against Fabioi 6–3, 6–4 before the Italian stormed back to take the next two 6–4, 6–3 and force a fifth set, which Fabio won 6–4.
This is the first time in 10 years that Rafa has not won a single slam in a given year. Our champ entered Friday 151–0 in Grand Slam matches where he wins the first two sets.
Win or lose, always with Rafa!
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Rafael Nadal, of Spain, rests during the change over after losing a game to Fabio Fognini, of Italy, in the fifth set of a match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Fabio Fognini of Italy on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: (L-R) Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts shakes hands with Fabio Fognini of Italy after their match on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off the court after his loss to Fabio Fognini of Italy on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off the court after his loss to Fabio Fognini of Italy on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off the court after his loss to Fabio Fognini of Italy on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off the court after his loss to Fabio Fognini of Italy on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off the court after his loss to Fabio Fognini of Italy on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 04: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off the court after his loss to Fabio Fognini of Italy on Day Five of the 2015 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Source: SI.com
I’m certain that all of Rafa’s fans want him to improve his game and win more grandslams. In my opinion, everyone has a right to their opinion. I feel that he should add someone to his team to advise on improving his serve (and for all we know he has) and maybe another scouting expert. Or, maybe Uncle Toni should step aside and let another be head coach. And I definitely know that this would help him greatly. But wishing and hoping is all we can do. So, I will continue to support him and hope that he stays healthy so that he is able to compete at his best. And as I said, we all want him to improve and win more majors. Marylynn.
Rafa, still with you….you just needed to stay away from Fognini’s forehand, that was it! You had him otherwise! Til next time…study your opponents. Study them before and during the match. Your game has to change as you have different opponents! You are very, very capable! Focus on the positive and plan to WIN! Your opponents are studying your every move! You do the same, possibly not working so hard but working smarter! I’m behind you all the way!
You are gaining in your great skill. Be calm in the crucial points. You will win another Roland Garros. You are a great champion.
Still be hind you you are my tennis. I stayed up watching cheering for you. No matter what. You are bless and My Mr. TENNIS. It will come back. I have faith. Bless you Rafa.