Rafael Nadal was beaten on a super tiebreak by Lucas Pouille in his final Wimbledon warm-up match at Hurlingham.
The world number two, who lost two days ago to Marin Cilic, went down 3-6, 6-4, 5-10 to the French player in London. The loss means that Rafa has failed to pick up a win in both of his grass court matches this year.
Despite the loss, our champ demonstrated signs of the quality that he will rely on at SW19.
After the match, Rafa said:
It is a little bit better than the other day. Enjoying the chance to be here back in Hurlingham, it is a great experience. It is important for me to play this match before Wimbledon starts. We are used to playing in big stadiums but playing at real tennis clubs is very special.
When asked how the matches will help him at Wimbledon, Rafa joked:
I’ll let you know in a couple of days.
I think I am playing better and better every day. Every day is a chance to improve the level of my game and I think since Wednesday, which was the first day I played points, to today I have made a couple of steps forward. So I need to keep going. I have tomorrow, Sunday and Monday to keep working hard.
Wimbledon begins at the All England Club on Monday. Rafa will be hoping to add another Grand Slam to his collection after winning his 18th earlier this month, in what was his 12th French Open.
I wasn’t able to see the whole match. Don’t know what happened – computer trouble. Planning to watch Wimbledon. Vamos Rafa! You bring the thunder!
Rafa, you are right, just go day by day, one match at a time like you always do. A good draw is helpful but it doesn’t guarantee anything. Wish you all the best, you are a champion on and off the court!👍👏
I am so lucky and feel honored to be your fan!
I have made a donation to charity whenever you win a big title since 2016 when you and Marc won the gold medal in doubles. I am so thrilled I donated twice in your honor this year and look forward to do many more until you think it is time to move on to the next chapter of your life. It is just a little something that I can do to show my appreciation for my idol. Thank you so much for all the joy over the years Rafa🙏❤️
I agree with Rafa that he played better than Wednesday. He still looked rusty to me, but there is time before his first match. Sadly, Rafa got a very tough draft on paper, but we shall see. We know Rafa will try his best.
The serve could be a big problem in Wimbledon. Two more days till the tournament begins – use this champ.
We are all with you. Vamos Rafa <3
I think Rafa is playing on Tuesday. If so, this gives him more practice and study time.
Yes, he will be – Nole will definitely play Monday, as defending champion, so the bottom half of the draw will play on Tuesday.
I don t wish to say ” I told you so ” ☺as everyone is entitled to their own opinion 😐 and someone explained why they play these exhib matches but it is obvious that it puts a damper on things 😕 this week , 2 losses to players who have no great wins on grass 💚 🎾 Fiona in Paris
Perhaps we can take this as a good omen in light of what it lead to last year.
If Nole plays Monday..as is usual he will have an extra day to rest b4 final that’s if he makes it that far
Last yr..was total favouritism😡😡
Yep, last year he also lost his exho matches but he made the SF at Wimbledon and was unfortunate not to make the final.
I think Rafa will learn his lesson and will not want to spend too much time on court. I think his serve is good enough to win him points (he’s serving well at the FO) and he’s able to come forward to the net whenever possible.
It’s important that Rafa doesn’t slip and fall to get injured, so he should try to win the early rounds ASAP and not doing too much running on slippery grass.