Rafael Nadal failed in his bid for a fourth title this season, losing 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to local favorite Roger Federer in the final of the Swiss Indoors on Sunday.
After the match, Rafa said: “I lost but I was close to winning, very close. Today I have been very competitive against one of the best players in the world. And on the toughest surface for me.”
Rafa still has a 23-11 career hold over Federer, including 14-7 in tournament finals.
Rafael Nadal of Spain arrives for his match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain pose prior the final match of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament at St Jakobshalle on November 1, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain pose prior the final match of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament at St Jakobshalle on November 1, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
Switzerland’s Roger Federer (L) and Spain’s Rafael Nadal before their final match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, 01 November 2015. (Tenis, Suiza, Basilea) EFE/EPA/DOMINIC STEINMANN
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during the final match of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament against Roger Federer of Switzerland at St Jakobshalle on November 1, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during the final match of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament against Roger Federer of Switzerland at St Jakobshalle on November 1, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a ball to Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their match at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their final match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (Dominic Steinmann/Keystone via AP)
Switzerland’s Roger Federer (L) returns a ball to Rafael Nadal of Spain during their match at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their final match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (Georgios Kefalas/Keystone via AP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their final match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (Georgios Kefalas/Keystone via AP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action against Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their final match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, 01 November 2015. (Tenis, Suiza, Basilea) EFE/EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS
Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action against Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their final match at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, 01 November 2015. (Tenis, Suiza, Basilea) EFE/EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during the final match of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament against Roger Federer of Switzerland at St Jakobshalle on November 1, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during the final match of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament against Roger Federer of Switzerland at St Jakobshalle on November 1, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during the final match of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament against Roger Federer of Switzerland at St Jakobshalle on November 1, 2015 in Basel, Switzerland (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Switzerland’s Roger Federer (R) celebrates after winning against Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, 01 November 2015. (Tenis, Suiza, Basilea) EFE/EPA/DOMINIC STEINMANN
Switzerland’s Roger Federer (R) celebrates after winning against Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, 01 November 2015. (Tenis, Suiza, Basilea) EFE/EPA/DOMINIC STEINMANN
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts with the trophy plate after losing the final match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer, at the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, 01 November 2015. (Tenis, Suiza, Basilea) EFE/EPA/DOMINIC STEINMANN
Switzerland’s Roger Federer (L) holds the trophy after winning his match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland November 1, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
BRAVO RAFA , très belle final … Très contant de te voir en final avec roger … ha la bonne époque . C’est de de vous retrouver face à face …
VAMOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Magnifique semaine, excellente finale Rafa est passé tout près du titre…..il sera prêt pour 2016 et je parierai même pour une 10 eme victoire à ROland GArros courage ….
Rafa: Congratulations on a great week at Basel. You played great in the final today. Your game has improved very much. Throughout each match you are consistently taking the ball early and playing the baseline – and I said consistently. If you continue in this way, it will become natural for you and hopefully you will not revert back to playing 4 feet behind it; and I think your entire game will become naturally offensive. Continue to play this way and you will be unbeatable. This is what I believe. My main concern is that you remain in good physical health. I am so worried that your knees will start troubling you again. I pray that that do not. Keep improving and stay healthy Rafa because you deserve to be on top again and to win big in 2016. God bless you the best of everying next week at Paris Masters. You are a true sportsman. Love, Marylynn.
I thought Rafa would win this one. If he improves his serve, then I have no doubt he would win against the big three and anyone else in the running. Rafa, you DID have a great week. Next time up, you’ll continue to amaze us, I’m sure. Your fan, forever!!! VAMOS RAFA!!!
From what we see in the last 3 tourneys, i think it is safe to say that the slide downhill has been stopped. Now he has to consistantly put it past the Stans and Kies. For him to win against the other big 3, he really needs to up his serve and his return game. He does it when he is down. But I really dont know why not when he is up. The second serve returns when he had so many looks at Roger were so weak from behind the Basel sign. The BIG positive is his ground game is back. So really happy about that. His fight is back. That is the BIGGEST plus. If he keeps doing this, 2016 will be good. I just wish he becomes a bit more unpredictable in his patterns to make his life easier against the other 3. VAMOS
A good fight, gracious to the end. Stay strong, hungry and fierce. Any time Roger
and Rafael play we must relish every hit; what other rivalry has brought so
much respect and glory to the game?
So sorry for Rafa:( But Rafa played a great week and fought all the way! The conditions in Basel are not the best for Rafa but he had all chances to win the title!!
Rafa is on the way to his best again!
Vamos Rafa, always with you <3 <3 <3
Great week for Rafa!!!!! I thought he was going to win after he won the second set. Nevertheless great performance!!! Congrats RAFA!!!
Rafa has made so many improvements in his game!
He is on his way to where he wants to be and play and this is great!
Like he said this is a great foundation for him to build on for next season and that is what Rafa is aiming for.
I am happy for him and stoked!
Way to GO RAFA!
Vamos!! 🙂 <3
Our champion is the essence of grace, looking at him presenting the ball kids with medals he makes such a connection with each one. His speech was appropriate, gracious and again connecting with the crowd. I feel so positive about the week in Basel, he is well on his way to his best form. Congrats to Roger today was his the record still stands 23/11. Proud to support Rafael,
VAMOS DEAR RAFA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Congratulations on making the finals and KUDOS for all the great matches & for your amazing beautiful stride !!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) God bless you sweetheart & there will be other opportunities looking forward!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ci….ci….ci Senior!!!!!! : ) : ) Have a great evening & fun time till your next tour…… God bless you & your GREAT TEAM !!!!!! Thanks for everything & lot of love & happiness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
So proud of Rafa for all the great tennis he played and displayed in Basel. Rafa
played amazingly. It was indeed a pleasure to watch two all-time greats, Rafa and
Roger duke it out in the finals. I wasn’t surprised Roger won in his home-town but
Rafa has been playing splendidly since the beginning of the Asian Swing!
Always super happy to be a loyal fan of Rafa!
WELL DONE RAFA,, WELLAS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED YOUR BACK, NOW REST PLEASE BLESS YOU XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE THE GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) You are magnificent & an amazing CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!! Today’s match announcers had mentioned how weak & easy F matches were leading to today….and how his game never had to be challenged due to the players he played. Therefore, today’s match is not a barometer of nothing…… & is not reflective of recent true level of play. It was a close match with only few missed points by you. YOU were very near winning coming in the 3rd set….. It is over & it is past now…..and not that important…..but what is rather obvious F would have never been able to make the finals if he had gotten your draw against all the giant servers…..day after day…..and it seems he was once again protected by easy draw all the way to the finals…….. ….The great news your magnificent, well fought energy & feisty determination gave you the platform to display your genius passionate & determined powerful game!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) YOU ROSE BEYOND ALL THE TALL giants day in and day out….& TOOK THEM SO BEAUTIFULLY…….VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Hold your head up dear Rafa and know you are the better, stronger player!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ci…ci….ci….ci….ci….& ci……. YOU have earned every single point genuinely…… Furthermore, ALL the players recognize that you are back & you are back big time…..and so KUDOS for your amazing success and beautiful strong Tennis!!! : ) My sense of the match today is that I don’t think he won….I think he was fortunate you had very very few missed points and time ran out…..if it was a 5 set match you would have had further opportunity to continue w your aggressive play …… but like you say…if makes zero difference…. but clearly, he was handed the match by your few missed shots. The facts remain that your game is fantastic & you are our favorite best player!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
Agree with all you said.
Rafa is a rare treasure for TENNIS FANS !!!!!!!!!! : ) Thanks for your reply ! : )
)
Congratulations Rafa. Even if you lost, you are a winner to me. You have improved your game a lot. Don’t be sad. It was an excelllent game.
Take care and a lot of blessings.
Great match between the 2 champions. Rafa playing close and getting stronger on his worst surface is a real plus. One weak game is usually all it takes in a 3 setter against a top player. Unfortunate he couldn’t convert on either break point in 1st set. A great few weeks. Hope knee is ok.
Returning to the place u belong ….the finals semifinals ….three consecutive tournament great results from what form ur returning
Make no mistakes rafa is producing this results on hard courts …his not so favourite
In his best many ppl would hve satisfy with same result
Rafa u evolved so much with the game with the competition from what u were few years ago
Next step to bring back that forehand down the line into the game more consitently
Congrats to both of you 😊 Rafa you played amazing, you’re so close to your old form. – Nearly there 😘 VAMOS champ! 🎾💪 Good luck in Paris 🍀❤️😃
All of us who have never stopped believing in Rafa are so proud of the week he has had. This was a pretty close match and I am sure he will keep building. He seems to be getting physically and mentally stronger and he has the strong heart and passion to go with it. Vamos!
Btw rafa produced greatest shot of the year this match
Love you Rafa 💗 💖 💛 💖. Thank you for a wonderful week.
You were great. You are back to where you belong , on the top.
All the best.🌷 🌸 🌹 🍀 💕 💝 💟 💟 for the coming week.
Never mind rafa u played very well ….fighted till last points ….
Coming from set down against roger says a lot
U were so close to wining . Just missed some forehands in importants…but as u say there is no ifs in sports
Roger was so good with his serve with lot of aces
Always great to watch both legends play
They both have so much respect for each other
Rafa please diagnose ur problem with knee and take very bst care of urself dont need to play paris if not feeling well
Enjoy today and rest well
U will definitely going to have a great 2016 and many more years
Just be healthy
Please dont overplay
Vamos
Ok match from RAFA. Like I wrote yesterday the serve is what he really needs to improve. More speed and more reliability is needed. The ground strokes are coming back. That’s positive!
Anyone agree with me?
Agree with you that Rafa should improve on his serve. He must produce some Aces especially at crucial moments like closing a game/set/match. But somehow unclee Toni &Rafa don’t place much importance on serve & aces otherwise l am sure Rafa would win. nowadays many players tend to serve aces to save themselves especially on crucial moments. So l hope uncle Toni & Rafa would consider our advice. lf not Rafa’s tennis looks as if going downhill while others in their 30’s are playing so well.
I mean if Rafa had Rogers serve today he would have won in two sets I think. His game is nearly back to where it was 1-2 years ago, the serve is what makes it more complicated for him than it should.
Rafa has said that he is only going to rest a couple of days after the O2 finals. After that it’s maximum attack for 2016!
Let’s hope that right knee is okey!
Congrats to two beautiful champions! Rafa you were amazing! Vamos!
You should be very proud Rafa, you played amazingly! Your forehand is returning to its very best. A very positive week. Vamos Rafa!