Rafael Nadal is out of the Mexican Open at the second-round stage after losing in three sets to Nick Kyrgios, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-7(6).
Rafa, winner in Acapulco in 2005 and 2013, was playing his first event since falling in the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic.
He had chances to break Kyrgios in both the second and third sets but was unable to convert as both sets went on serve to the tiebreakers.
Kyrgios levelled his head-to-head record with Rafa at 3-3 and will play three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals.
After the match, Rafa said about Kyrgios:
He’s a player who has enormous talent, could be winning grand slams or fighting for the number one ranking. He lacks respect for the crowd, his opponent and towards himself. I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but he lacks a little respect for the public and the rival.
Rafa’s next tournament will be Indian Wells in March.
Source: AAP
So Rafa will be playing in the inaugural Eisenhower Cup in California tonight. It’s a fast-paced knockout tournament consisting of eight players. The matches are all played in a 10-point tiebreak format and will take place tonight. I think this is a good move as it will give Rafa a chance to get more practice prior to Indian Wells and will also help to shake of any nerves that might be jangling.
Thanks for that update Lorna. Looks like Rafa won his tie break:) Looking forward to IW!
There are lessons to be learnt by Rafa. He’s too nervy against Kyrgios (just like he was vs Djoko) and let Kyrgios’ antics got to him. Had Rafa remained focused on the job at hand, he would’ve won the match when he was 6-3 up in the third set TB; that DF in the TB was unacceptable!
He has/had been losing important TBs these days – that 3rd set TB in the Wimbledon SF last year (which imo was crucial to him winning the match); the 3rd set TB he lost to Shapovalov at Montreal in 2017; he also lost a TB to Delpo in the Wimbledon QF last year when he had SP! and that had cost him another hour of court time and extra energy spent; and now this winnable TB against Kyrgios.
If Rafa couldn’t overcome his nerve and change this current unpleasant trend, he will continue to suffer such losses from winning positions! He simply choked, and snatched losses from the jaw of victories!
I don’t know what he could do to calm his nerves and stops this trend; it’s all in the mind. Rafa clearly could beat Kyrgios when he was able to gain the upper hand, it’s just that he choked and threw away the chance of a victory.
Kyrgios only faced MPs in his match with Rafa, I think he didn’t have MP against him in all his other matches on his way to the title.
Rafa was angry and disappointed with himself I feel, for choking away the match. It’s something he needs to address urgently before it’s too late.
Yes Luckystar, I hadn t thought about the nerve issue as I have only seen highlights of thèse matches, I don t have Eurosport and of course Wimb and Aus Open I was praying for him as always, following the score on Internet . It is frustrating for us fans to see that. 😡Some matches don t matter too much but these, as you Say just one point would have won a set and the playing/exhaustion/nerve time. 😁 Let s hope that the next matches will overcome this, only Rafael will be able to reflect on this, he always that said that you learn from defeats. Fiona in Paris
Rafa knows very well what he is doing, so for fans here to discuss a few unfavorable past outcomes, as supposed to discuss all his many wins, not only makes zero sense but it is not a sensible argument. Rafa had such a brilliant record, it is absolutely fine for him not to win some matches. Let us point out all the winning, fantastic outcomes and his blessed process and brilliant career…..he is not a machine….he is a brilliant bright tennis genius with longevity and a brilliant record. Please know pointless uninspiring discussions are never helpful to no one.
How did Rafa play? I didn’t watch the match. Did he play with the recent changes made to his game or with his old style which he used in the finales of the AO?
I’m worried about Rafa. Want to see him picking up trophies instead of roger or any other.
Hi Buddy. Rafa had 8 aces, so I’ll say he stuck to his new routine. He also didn’t get broken, saving the only break point he faced. That doesn’t really matter since he failed to convert 9 out of his 10 chances to break Kyrgios.
Rafa also won more points in the match, 121, to Nick’s 111.
I’ve always found it peculiar that you can win more points and yet lose a match. Sounds like an American election:):)
So Nick won the Mexican Open. Next please! Mentally, I’ve moved on from that tournament as there’s no point in agonising over what could have been for Rafa. He’s just got to recharge, reboot and get ready for the North American swing. My concern is that Rafa is such an intense and often tense person on the court. It looks like his fear of losing is still hampering him in crucial moments in a match and he’s got to fix that problem. His mantra should be “Respect all players, but fear nothing and no one”.
So…Nick Kyrgios got under Rafa’s skin.. …His antics on the court are all a part of who Nick is… For Nick, tennis is a means to an end… He earns a living, gets some notoriety and has the tennis world talking about him all the time. He would much rather play basketball or video games but he can’t make the bucks doing that. So he half heartedly plays tennis tournaments, his ability gets him in deep enough to earn a living. I remember the US Open 2017 he played John Millman…Nick should have beat him big time but it was all over the media that Nick was in Manhattan partying the night before. Now I’m at the Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium and Millman is winning big time. Come the 3rd set, Nick didn’t even try as his feet were like cement. He kept looking up at the scoreboard as he lost point after point. Match over… he left in seconds and all the people in the stands were a buzz and angry that they wasted their time and money on a match where Nick didn’t even try. No respect for anything or anyone.
I could go on about Nick but I have already given him too much attention.
Here’s my problem…What happened to Rafa that match? You cannot be at 40-0 about to break your opponent and not shut the door!!! How many break points or match points can you bring yourself to and not convert? It is so difficult to have an edge in a match against an erratic player like Kyrgios and yet Rafa brings the match to the very edge and he didn’t finish him off! Rafa should have had this one and I found myself just as mad at him as he was at himself. He needs to work on that part of his game strategically… I will be at Indian Wells next week for 4 days (first time, can’t wait). I will be rooting for our boy with everything I have in me!!
See you soon Rafa!
You’re right, Rafa did slip up big time. Meanwhile Kyrgios has gone on to win the tournament.
I think Kyrgios just put on an act to disrupt Rafa’s game, and it succeeded spectacularly. But yes, Rafa did have 3 match points, and it’s on Rafa for not having been able to close it. Is Rafa losing his killer instinct? I hope not!
Anyway the silver lining for me is that Rafa will be raring to go at IW and Miami. For me I hope he wins Miami since he’s never won there before.
But as always, we’d see:) <– Couldn't help that.
I couldn’t watch the match? Did Rafa play with his old style or with all the changes that were introduced at the beginning of the year and which he uses at the AO except in the finals?
I’m worried about Rafa. I want to see him winning tournaments instead of hearing about Roger and others. I hope Carlos and he and the rest of the team are in the right track.
Rafa i am your biggest fan. I watched the whole tennis match live. Kyrigos is the most discusting person in tennis i have ever seen! He should have been thrown out the night u played him. I had never watched him and hope to never again. He should have gotten a couple more conduct codes violations than one. He got mad and struck a stray ball bouncing very hard not caring where it was going. It could have hurt someone seriously. Talking onscene lanugage at the croud,does not display the ethics that professional players conduct their selves! Then the commentators were praising talking like he could do no wrong. What kind of tennis players in the next gen future are they promoting! Rafa i wish all the luck in the coming tennis matches. You are the greatest and don’t think otherwise. I have watched u play since u stepped on the court. Back then i said u were going to be the best!! You always will be too!
I think Rafa was wrong about one thing. Kyrgios really is a bad person. He can be charming when he wants to be but only a baddie would pull some of the crap he has.
It’s amazing how the tennis channel commentators think his behavior is A-OK
I was also very disappointed in the tennis channel commentators. Kyrigios needs to be held accountable for his awful on-court behavior. I don’t even think he can play a match without any drama which he creates for himself. I wonder if the knee wrappings and the cramps were just a ruse to show he can play when he is injured and also try to upset the rhythm of his opponents. Sometimes I wish the players would boycott playing him. He’s a very twisted player and bad for the sport. Umpires as well should come down hard on him. There’s no excuse for him. Pitiful!
It is a privilege to play professional tennis. All Nick does is make a mockery of the sport, his opponents and the spectators. I totally agree with Rafa with regard to Nick lacking respect. There is no room for trouble-makers such as Nick in tennis or any sport. I am not impressed with his talent because he uses it as a weapon to abuse his opponents and the fans watching. Rafa is a true gentleman, and champion. I also hope Nick is fined for that profane comment he made to the crowd to be quiet. Truly unacceptable and atrocious. He’s not a teen-ager anymore. His deliberate bad behavior, language and disgusting gestures are his modus operandi at all times. I don’t see him growing up anytime soon. He prefers to stir the pot. No opponent should be expected to tolerate his despicable behavior. .So many other talented players who are very respectful of the sport, I prefer to watch, instead.
On a lighter note, Rafa you looked great out there, so looking forward to seeing you compete at Indian wells.
I agree wholeheartedly!
Thank you, Judy!
Yes Diane, I have seen only thé highlights of the match, of course a shame 😢😢 as I prayed for Rafael as always 😢 but in spite of us being fans and hoping for him it is a nuisance that he came up against this player whose behaviour like you say, left a lot to .be desired 😡 I did not like the way he beat him in Wimb 2014 and hoped he world ont cross him again. If only he had had another. 😯 Lopez and Ferrer have fallen out, I always prefer espagnoles or latin américains in México in the semis and to wear the sombrerô at the end of the final. Fiona in Paris
Agreed, I can never get enough of watching Rafa compete. He’s such a great champion. I don’t like when any professional, hard-working tennis player has to play against this guy. Actually, it totally cheapens the competition and makes it more like a reality show. So unfair. Plus true athletes are supposed to be in good shape not moping around the court with such a chip on their shoulder. I had enough of this guy.
When I saw Rafa in his Academy in Manacor in Sept. Oct and Nov 18 I spoke to him in Spanish and said wé understand it is not easy for them, always requested for autos and selfies but I appreciated that he signed my book Rafa and the lovely selfie taken by Carlos Moya 😃 . After training they are more relaxed than after a match. 🎾However, I spoke to the people in the Aca and suggested it would be good if they could put aside 10 mins to sign and pose for the fans timed with a watch rather than doing that whilst walking away. 😉 Then 5 mins while walking. 15 mins in all, that way the fans waiting have more of à chance to catch him. What do you others think about this ? Fiona in Paris
What do you think about the timing 🕦📷 ? I already suggested in Paris Bercy that if the player had won his match 😃 he must be in a good mood and can time 15 mins for the fans gathered round the edge of the court before walking away. 😉 After training I have just suggested it. Any comments ? Fiona in Paris
Rafa you are a gentleman and great person,your fans love you all over the world 🌎 Kyrios has no respect for anybody ,he mocks the crowd and his apponents , Rafa good luck for the next vamossssssssssss champ 🎾🎾🎾💪💪💪😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️💪💪💪🎾🎾🎾😘😘😘🙏🙏
Rafa lost today and he has only himself to blame. i’m disappointed at the result but not devastated because I know Rafa will sort out the problem of his poor break point conversion rate. Indian Wells is a tournament Rafa loves, so I wish him every success there.
As for Nick Kyrgios, I ran out of patience with him a long time ago. Being the gentleman and consummate professional that Rafa is, he tried so hard to say positive things about Kyrgios in his post match interview, but I can imagine how furious he must have been by Kyrgios’ clear lack of respect. Thank goodness there’s a crop of young players that love the sport and take it seriously.
I agree with all the comments above. I could not believe the underhand serve! I did not think that this was an important tourney for Rafa. He needed hard court practice. Hopefully this early loss will let him play better in IW. If his hand was hurting, now he can rest it more. Play some golf and relax!
CI…….CI…….CI…….NO BIG DEAL………YOU ARE GREAT ON HARDCOURT SWEETHEART AND THE ONLY THING IS THE CROWDS LOVE YOU AND THEY WILL MISS YOU……………….AND AGREE, WITH LONGER TIME TO PREPARE : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Yes, I would have lIked him to win in Acapulco and leave the Américain tournaments for Kyrgios, it is more logical, Spanish speaking in Latin America and the Aussie more affinity with America 😮 speaking English. Rafael played golf in Feb. in Majorca , a Balearic compétition and got 2nd place, he likes it and it seems to relax him in winter⛳ wearing his Nike woollen hat. ☺ Fiona in Paris
OLA OLA OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) THERE WERE LOTS OF SETTLE, POOR CHOICES K MADE IN THE MATCH…….AND THE UMPIRE FAIL TO CALL HIM ON IT. HE CHALLENGED AFTER HE PLAYED A losing RETURN WHEN YOU WERE READY TO SERVE, A FEW TIMES HE KEPT STOPPING, BENDING OVER AS IF HE IS GOING TO FAINT AND DID THAT WITHOUT REGARDS TO YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE NET , HE PRETENDED TO SERVE AND THEN SIMPLY HIT THE BALL INSTEAD ACROSS ON THE FLOOR – NOTHING WAS DONE BY THE UMPIRE. SEEMS LIKE THE UMPIRE WAS ALSO AFRAID OF HIS POOR BEHAVIOR. SO YES, THIS IS NOT EASY TO COMPETE WITH SUCH AN UGLY MANIPULATOR AND THIS IS NOT A SECRET AND NOTHING NEW…..THAT IS WHY HE LOOKS AND BEHAVES THE WAY HE DOES. UNFAIR TO ALL OTHER PLAYERS ON THE TOURS, NO ONE TAKES THE TIME TO TRULY ADDRESS AND CORRECT HIM…..THE ATP DID a FEW YEARS BACK FINED HIM BUT HE GETS AWAY WITH TOO MUCH, AND TENNIS FANS DO NOT APPRECIATE IT. I THINK HE IS SUFFERING, EMOTIONALLY AND WITH NO DIRECTION, IT GETS EXPRESSED ON THE COURT.
BUT ENOUGH ABOUT HIM…….VAMOS SWEETHEART YOU HAD A FINE GAME EVEN THO IT WAS OBVIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE FLOW, THE FOCUS, AND CONCENTRATION WITH SO MUCH POOR BEHAVIOR FROM THE OPPONENT. YOU KEPT GOING AND YOU PLAYED GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YOU SERVED GREAT AND REACHED AND RETURN GREAT…..YOU WERE AGGRESSIVE WITH YOUR SHOTS AND YOU WERE CLEARLY THE STRONGER, POWERFUL PLAYER THROUGHOUT THE MATCH. SO THAT IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT. NO BIG DEAL, THERE WILL BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND YOU CAN WALK AWAY FEELING PROUD OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL HARDCOURT TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) I WAS TIRED LAST NIGHT SO I AM COMMENTING THIS MORNING BUT EVEN WITH ALL HIS OBNOXIOUS DISRESPECT, MY HUSBAND AND I REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING YOU PLAY AND RISE ABOVE WITH YOUR SPORTSMANSHIP TO DEAL WITH THIS POOR PLAYER. I LIKE THE UMPIRE, HE IS FAIR AND PRO. I NOTICED A FEW TIMES HE LOOKED AT YOU TO SEE YOUR REACTION TO K UNFITTING BEHAVIOR, INAPPROPRIATE CHALLENGING ETC… BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THE UMPIRE LOOKING CONCERNED, JUST KEPT THE MATCH GOING AND ALLOWED K TO GET AWAY WITH IT. YOU MAY WISH TO SPEAK WITH THE UMPIRE AND REPORT YOUR CONCERNS TO OTHER OFFICIALS, SO THAT K DOES NOT GET AWAY WITH HIS BS AGAIN.
VAMOS SWEETHEART AND SORRY FOR THE UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE YOU HAD TO FACE…..I NEVER LIKED THIS GUY FROM THE VERY FIRST TIME I SAW HIS BEHAVIOR ON COURT. BUT SE LACVI……THINGS HAPPENED, AND THE GOOD NEWS IS YOUR TENNIS IS SOLID, AND BRIGHT AND TOP TOP TOP LEVEL……..SO I AM SORRY BUT I KNOW YOU WILL HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO ENJOY YOUR FUTURE MATCHES. HAVE A GREAT DAY AND A LOVELY WEEK AND HAVE A NICE BREAK BETWEEN TOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ENJOY EVERYTHING SWEETHEART AND KUDOS FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL HARD WORK AND SOLID TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) SENDING LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS AND VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) KEEP SMILING! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Please tone down all the capital letters – it’s called ‘shouting”
Why should official encourage him to continue? K. was doing all he could to break Nadal’s rhythm and concentration. If he disrespects the sport, there are many other players who would fight for such an opportunity. K. Is not a child; move on.😠
Disappointed that Rafa lost and was 1 for 10 on break points . also . 3 match points blown . Rafa will learn from this loss to concentrate better on converting his break points . This match was there for the taking !
He is sooooooo disrespectful. He mocks the crowd and his opponents. He needs to grow up. Tennis is a serious sport take it as is and stop being so uncout.
Rafa u are one of a kind UNIQUE
Cjb
Yes he wanted to quit in the first set. But the official talk him into staying. He is very disrespectful player. Rafa still our number one.gods blessing. Good luck in the game
I do not understand so called officials who give in to Kyrgios’s misbehavior. Even worse than that is how Rafa squandered 3 match-points!
Kyrgios is a bad cheater and not only with his opponent but also with the tournament and the crowd
I was shocked at his behavior. Nadal was a complete gentleman. Kyrgios was so disrespectful thought the match. Kyrgios also showed he cannot win fair and square this was cheating at its Worse. Sharon
Really don’t know how Rafa could lose this match after so many break points and the match points in the third. All the best for Indian Wells. Vamos Rafa <3
“Lacks respect”, most damning thing Rafa can say about anyone. Too true. Well, Rafa’s loss is Stan’s gain, hopefully.
Nadal 80 titles, including 17 slams, world #2
Kyrgios 4 titles, including one 500, world #79 – hopefully on his way to the challenger circuit – or maybe amateur basketball because this guy doesn’t have the stones to be a pro at anything.
I said it before and I’ll say it again.. Nicky is a showoff, not a favorite of mine. He’ll never achieve the status of Rafa, Roger, Delpo or Stan. Get him outta there.
I agree with Rafa, Kyrios has no respect for anybody, I noticed he had a time out due to a back injury, I believe, but it didn’t appear to stop him prancing around when he had won, he needs to take a leaf or two from Nadal who is the perfect gentleman at all times, win or lose, I think the spectators had every right to boo him!! Good luck Stan W !!
Keep calm Rafa, you know you´r Great, eventhough your oponent has been respectless to you and on average to people, stand up without any problem to be once again the number One all over the World, from the canarian C. Javier get please an enormous sportly H u g.
Kyrgious is an asshole! He should be penalized for his no respect to people😡😡😡
Siempre tan caballero y respetuoso… Jugar con un rival como Kyrios es muy dificil y desesperante mayormente por la falta d respeto k tiene tanto al público y rival…
Adelante sigue en tu linea y t esperamos en esta temporada y k las lesiones se olviden d ti…. VAMOS!!!!!
INDEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) HE CERTAINLY IS THAT! HE HAS TO BE STOPPED FOR THE SAKE OF OTHER PLAYERS AND TENNIS FANS ALIKE.
VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : 0 WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Finally someone said the truth. Nick is just a miserable human being, disgraceful to watch, shame he is still playing at ATP….tennis will be better without him…talent is not enough