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.
It was ironic that the other head trip had come to see if you had the magic
answer. I would think he got his answer. Sorry but I do not know what to
say. Nothing stays the same so we must enjoy the ups in life. It will be so
hard to get back. You really have to want what you have lost. I wish you
only the best. I will be watching with hope.
As a Rafa fan, although I feel sad for him, it is time to say good-bye to Rafa. He will never be the same and his tennis days are gone. He should quit completely. I am saying good bye to Rafa and wish him the best in retirement.
So sad to see Rafa down again, I think he better start preparations for 2016, the year is gone, he has been average all season and every average player now feels comfortable facing him, my heart is breaking down for him, hopefully he improves just for himself and the fans!!!!!
You will be stronger for this loss 🙁 I believe like all your fans it is your serve letting you down so please do everything in your power to improve it 🙂 and then I am sure you will be winning big tournaments once again ……Will always support you Rafa <3 my champ and am looking forward to your return after the US Open 🙂
Ppl who post comments like we appreciate u beautiful game and ur beautiful point by point focus and b proud of ur effort.. I know rafa does not read any of our comments… but wat if he did.. u think it would make him feel good.. or would it make him feel like u r pulling his leg after a game like this?? Just wondering