(AFP) Rafael Nadal was sent packing in the last eight at the China Open by world number 20 Grigor Dimitrov on Friday.
Despite two breaks in the first set, the fourteen-time Grand Slam champion was unable to keep his serve and Dimitrov kept the pressure on for a 6-2, 6-4 victory — his first over the Spaniard in eight attempts.
After the match, Rafa said:
It’s obvious that Grigor played much better than me and he deserved to win. Losing five serve games is something you can’t do to win a match like this.
I fought until the last ball, but was going against psychologically bad feelings because I was suffering with my serve. When that happens, you have to go to the next tournament because you don’t deserve to win like this.
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Tennis – China Open Men’s Singles quarterfinal – Beijing, China – 07/10/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Tennis – China Open Men’s Singles quarterfinal – Beijing, China – 07/10/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Gregor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, left, hugs Rafael Nadal of Spain after winning the men’s singles quarterfinals of the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, Friday, Oct. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after his defeat against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on his Men’s singles Quarter Finals match on day seven of the 2016 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 7, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after his defeat against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on his Men’s singles Quarter Finals match on day seven of the 2016 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 7, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after his defeat against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on his Men’s singles Quarter Finals match on day seven of the 2016 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 7, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images)
The loss in the Chinese capital puts Rafa’s qualification for an 11th consecutive ATP Final — which brings together the season’s top eight players — in doubt.
Source: AFP
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I have never seen Dimitrov play better. He was awesome and you have to say it was ‘his day”. Vamos, Rafa! We love you! There are a lot of young players coming along to take the place. Also, what Lendl has done to Murray is amazing! No f-bombs from Andy and he’s a nicer boy! I don’t just turn off the TV when Andy’s playing like I used to. Hang in! There’s always tomorrow!
The more i look at the results of the last three years, the more i realize rafa might retire soon.
Rafa won’t give up that easily because of two very tough and “bad” (in relation!) years – I’m pretty sure of that. But most important is that he will be even more able to enjoy the rest of his tennis – career. So will we.
In my dreams, Roger and Rafa are going to playing one last epic Wimbledon-Final in 2017, 2018 or 2019. But this is only a dream that makes me cry sentimental tears of joy.
I don’t think so. He’s a hyperactive man that needs sport. He will play one way or the other even if it’s doubles only. Personally I’d be happy with that.
he has got a few more session or years to support and not hinder please 🙁
Bad day at the office. On form this would have been a walk in the park for Rafa. I am a lot slower, but I felt Rafa was a bit slower than usual.
Onwards and upwards!