Rafael Nadal speaks to the media after his 6-2, 7-5 defeat against Diego Schwartzman.
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. What happened out there? Seemed like an extremely tough uphill match from the start.
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, have been not my night at all. He played a great match, I think. And not me.
So when this happens, you have to lose. These things can happen. After such a long time without competing, I played good two matches, and now today I played a bad one against a good opponent.
That’s how it is. I just want to congratulate Diego, and I gonna keep working.
Q. Have you talked about your team about how you will now recover and prepare for the French Open in such a short time between two tournaments?
RAFAEL NADAL: No. Is a completely special year and unpredictable year. I don’t know. I probably go back home and then let’s see what’s going on.
I did my job here. I did a couple things well and other things bad.
And that’s it. At least I played three matches. I fighted until the end. But losing that many serves, you can’t expect to win a match, no? Something that I have to fix.
I know how to do it. I gonna keep working and keep practicing with the right attitude and try to give me a chance to be ready.
Q. You talked about I think on Monday about the lack of matches. Did that play a factor tonight? Do you still feel like you’re missing the amount of matches over these seven months that you hadn’t played?
RAFAEL NADAL: We can find excuses, but I didn’t play enough well. Then we have to think internally why, how I can fix it.
Now is not the moment to find excuses. Just the moment to accept that I didn’t play enough well. Have been a super heavy evening in terms of humidity. Conditions out there was much heavier than the previous days in terms of the bounces of the ball.
For me was difficult to push him back. He did a great job. And even if it’s beginning of the match, for me 2-1, Love-30, I played eight terrible points in a row.
So then from a possibility to be 3-1 with break up, I was 3-2 with break down. Everything changed later.
I tried hard in the second, but losing three times the serve in a row, then you need to find for a miracle, no? I did twice, but the third one, even if I was 15-30, was not possible.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
Serbian player Milojevic has talked about lapses in the so called bubble. The common areas of the hotel are for all the guests. Some are in the gym working out without masks, same case in the lobby and restaurant. The people delivering room service also don’t wear masks.
The staff at R.G. don’t really have answers to security questions i.e. players can walk unescorted to the practice stadium but the staff only say it isn’t recommended. Also the cars transporting them are not always cleaned after each use.
Milojevic as a lower ranked player would be at a different hotel than Rafa but I know that where Rafa is they also accepted reservations from regular guests.
Hoping this player gets after his fellow countryman,the co-director of the PTPA, to ask for stricter enforcement or changes to this situation.
Wanting everyone to be safe.
I agree Pauline. Many have complained that it’s not a “bubble.” I was surprised to learn that. All the talk of strict protocols may be hiding what we cannot see. I honestly feel the tournament officials are not being honest. That’s why I’ve been so worried for Rafa.
They give the impression that the hotels are for the players and their guests but did mention that a company occupies some floors. There are elevators and escalators. Employees go home and then come back to work. Quite frankly that may be the reason the more expensive PCR test is being used. Tournament Director Forget going as far as saying if the USOPEN can do it so can we, as if it were some type of competition between tournaments to see whose “bubble” is better. Trying not to be negative.
Kudos to the Americans for how they handled the U.S. Open. So far unfortunately the French seem less efficient.. Hoping they will improve soon.
BTW I am of French descent so no disrespect intended. I love Paris.
Pauline, I honestly thought the French would’ve done it better than we did; everything by the book, no exceptions, bubble, player safety, yada yada ya. Forget said they learned from us. HOGWASH!
I hope they make player safety priority one.
Fernando Verdasco has been denied entry to the FO because of testing positive. He said he had the virus in August. Since then, he was tested in Rome and Hamburg and three more times until in Paris where he tested positive. He feels he is the victim of his antibodies citing Popovic’s case and saying he had the perfect profile of a false positive.
R.G. changed the rule yesterday to now allow a retest but won’t reconsider for Verdasco. He is outraged of course.
Pauline, the other day I found out that when RG does do a retest for those testing positive, they use the same blood sample. They said retesting Pospisil’s coach would not change the first test results so no need for a redo.
This new change may mean they will retest from a new blood sample?
Am I the only one confused? LOL
RG version of Stan and Thiem meetup for practice.
“You don’t get to be the first anymore,” he says to the recent winner of the US Open. Why are you late for training? You find that normal after just one Grand Slam title… ”
Stan joked but made his point that Thiem has to stay grounded.
Rafa and Jannik Sinner were practicing on Chatrier today. No roof, sun shining brightly.
Stan had to put Thiem in his place for being late to practice. “You cannot be first. After one Slam things are like this?” LOL
Nice one, Stan. Put him straight ! 😀
😂
J. Sinner beat D. Goffin in straight sets, very impressive for a youngster!👏
I was expecting this day because I wanted to read the 9 reasons announced by a fan on his comment. I could not find it. Maybe later on ?
I was also wondering how the fans will manage to have some autographs ? I know they are full of resources. Come on, share your tips.
Word is out that her crystal ball is cracked and cloudy but if she repair it we should be in for a mega-treat. 😉
Magali, I’ve seen a photo today of Rafa signing an autograph for someone outside his hotel. The hotel Margo mentioned is the right one. I would think that any fans attending RG will be kept well away from the players.
Hello jas_uk, I have not seen this photo. I wish I could come to Paris because I was expecting a visit who will probably not come and furthermore I am still suffering from cramps since yesterday as well as stomach disorders since the beginning of the months without finding a doctor to give me the appropriate treatment, even if I have seen a lot since the first Week of September.
If I was not so tired and if I still had my car (only a bus per hour here), I would have go outside because températures there are less freezing than in my appartment, which is a very odd situation. In the past, it was about 25°C without us being able to control it but from some years now, I Don’t know what happens in my place. and who are the thieves who are organizing all these stuffs.
And you, do you also have problems of températures in your place for years ? Thieves and all kind of problems of this sort ?
There seems to be a correction regarding the 1,000 per day fan limit allowed at the French Open according to the NYTimes.
“On Wednesday, Olivier Véran, France’s health minister, announced that large planned events in many parts of France, including the Paris region, would be limited to no more than 1,000 people beginning Saturday.
“On Thursday after the draw, Jean Castex, the French prime minister, said in a French television appearance that the 1,000-person daily limit applied not only to fans but to all accredited personnel on site. That would include players and their team members, officials, security workers, reporters, broadcast technicians and others. According to the French Tennis Federation, the number of those accredited far exceeds the 1,000-person limit.
“There is no reason we would not apply the same rules to everyone,” Castex said, when pressed on the issue.”
Earlier on Thursday, Bernard Giudicelli, president of the French Tennis Federation, told French reporters that the tournament would go ahead and late Thursday night, L’Équipe, the French sports site, reported that Castex had misspoken and that the 1,000 limit only applied to spectators, not to those accredited, all of whom have been required to record a negative coronavirus test before accessing the site.”
I can only surmise that Giudicelli thought the 1,000 applied to fans only.
So just a few fans, if any?
It appears that way, for now anyway.
FYI I read that Stan and Andy practiced on Philip Chartrier.
I have also spotted conflicting reports between French language articles and English language articles on the same subject matter possibly explainable by the constantly changing guidelines due to Covid-19. I’ve had it already. I am simply waiting for Monday to throw my full support behind Rafa when he plays. Not happy he is in that environment but trust he will do everything to protect himself.
2020 has been a year like no other, everyone has been affected by Covid more or less. Although this year might be the toughest conditions for Rafa, I am just thrilled he has returned to play. I know he will fight for every point as he always does. All the best to Rafa for lucky 13🍀 Vamos Rafa ❤️
The best to the tournament too! Thank you for all the hard work🙏
David, in reply to yours @10:15PM – no link
I was quoting from the tournament rules that any practicing would be done at the designated practice courts [plse see my earlier comment on that as I don’t recall the name of that tennis complex]. Players are relegated to their hotel rooms and hotel dining area, cannot be on tournament grounds except on THEIR match days, and the designated tennis court complex for any practice sessions. I have no idea what accommodations they may have made for Rafa or they just changed the rules but I can’t find anything on that front. Since they permitted Rafa to practice on tournament grounds Hey, I’ll take it.
Qualifying matches finished today. I think the women in the main draw start on Sunday.
Yes, I’ve been watching the weather reports also. YUK! Rafa practiced while it was 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wishing the best for our champ. I hope he is simply downplaying his chances for a win. Or maybe he’s letting us know what he’s up against – Mother Nature.
It is a pity that the players are relegated in their hotel rooms and dining areas while there are such beautiful curiosities to discover in Paris. Anyway if Rafael feels it, you can tell him that “Mrs Magoo” would be very proud to guide him around, after she sees a real ophtalmologue (and please explain to him what I mean with “Mrs Magoo”, in case he does not know).
When did Mr. Magoo get married?
Rafa said his first match will be on Monday, three more days.
By all accounts, Rafa’s first week should be doable so I am hoping by week two he will have adjusted very well to the awful weather conditions to win this tournament. As I recall, Rafa has always been sensitive to any changes on the same court, or a brand of ball, and of course his rackets. He has adjusted before and can do it again: hopefully in time to reach THIRTEEN.
BEST OF LUCK RAFA
I thought I would find some new photos on Rafa in RG. I am wondering how the players will manage to play under these conditions. The weather has turned very quickly to be very cold, rainy, windy. Hope that everything is OK for our champ.
Rafa, who was interviewed by L’Equipe, stated that the new Wilson balls could prove dangerous for players if used during the present weather conditions. These balls are not good for playing on clay. He said the balls become enlarged and very heavy and suggested that tournament officials take a serious look at this because it could become dangerous for players’ shoulders and elbows. The playing conditions are the most complicated I have ever known here.
He went on further to say that the balls are very slow and the weather is cold. Admitting that conditions are the same for everyone he’s there to battle it out and will keep a positive attitude.
Keeping a positive attitude is very important knowing that coming back on tour is never easy in the beginning and I accept that I won’t have the best feelings for the game. With a good attitude… I have already made comebacks after long periods without playing.
According to Jose Morgado Rafa is unhappy with the Wilson balls RG is using this year. He practiced with them at home in the heat but still found them slow and heavy. They will only be worse under Paris conditions. Next week’s forecast is for chilly and rainy weather but Rafa will play under the new roof.
Thiem agrees with his assessment. They both preferred the Babolat (their sponsor) balls used previously.
Rafa true to form says in spite of this he is remaining positive in his attitude and will do his best.
I wonder if Rafa will be able to get any practice with the roof closed, because it looks like that’s how PC is going to be for much of next week. The weather forecast is bleak.
Yes Lorna, a short clip of Rafa practicing under the roof was posted on Twitter about 2 hours ago by Quentin Moynet of L’Equipe.
I was very happy to see that but was perplexed because the FO said no players would be allowed on the grounds of Roland Garros unless it was for a match. Period. Perhaps they let Rafa in very early in the morning or late at night. Whatever the case may be, glad to see him practicing there.
👍🏽
Replying to Margo, I read a short piece on ESPN noting that players would only be allowed on the grounds on match day. Perhaps that refers to the actual period of the tournament, i.e., Rafa is able to practice on the grounds during these few days prior to the start. My guess. Are there qualifying matches going on now?
The weather forecast I pulled up calls for rain on Monday and also Friday and Saturday with high temps in the 60s all week.
Overall conditions are obviously terrible but at least its the same for everyone.
We had hoped all summer that the virus would be under control in France for the tournament. Now it appears that things are at a very dangerous point with more than 15,000 new cases today and 150 deaths in France. Its probably a bad idea for this tournament to be held this year.
Nevertheless, I’m hoping Rafa can make his adjustments and win that first match and gain confidence as he goes like he always does.
Thanks for these detsils, Margo. I suppose everyone has no choice but to go with that ruling. I’m sure Rafa will take a stadium with a crowd of 1000 and some atmosphere over the eerie silence of an empty one. I’m just thankful that the event is happening.
Following is part of the article explaining why the number of fans allowed has been further reduced.
“Ce mercredi 23 septembre 2020, le ministre de la Santé Olivier Véran a indiqué la nouvelle carte de France des différentes zones d’alerte. Comme Paris et les départements de la petite couronne se trouvent en “zone d’alerte renforcée”, la jauge d’accueil du public est automatiquement abaissée à 1000 personnes maximum pour tous les évènements maintenus. Le Premier ministre Jean Castex a confirmé la nouvelle au soir du jeudi 24 septembre 2020.”
Yesterday it was my understanding that authorization for 5,000 fans was never formally approved by health ministers. It’s possible that tournament officials were hoping for a special dispensation which was not allowed.
Here’s hoping for Rafa’s and other players’ safety.
Spectators have been reduced to 1,000 for Roland Garros after tournament and health officials met to discuss the high number of infection rates. Paris is in a red zone and the maximum number of people allowed in an event such as the FO is limited to 1.000.
Rafa’s R1 opponent will be 27-year-old Belarusan Egor Gerasimov, currently ranked 83 and whose highest ranking was 71. This will be their first meeting.
GOOD LUCK RAFA
I find it highly unusual for two 3-time Slam champions to face each other in a Grand Slam. I am referring to Stan Wawrinka and wild card Andy Murray who will face off in the first round at this FO. It’s unusual because both champions are working their way back up in the rankings after surgery. Andy and Stan are currently 111 and 17 respectively. Obviously both can’t win but I am wishing them both good luck.
I agree….Two big names …round 1…..
Dominic Thiem plays Marin Cilic in the first round, who was a force at one time… Marin is now ranked 39 and Dominic beat him in the 3rd round of the US Open recently… I do wish Marin’s first round would have been easier than the draw he received….
Former world #3 Cilic has been struggling for the past year, past 2 years?, with knee problems, a shoulder problem and confidence problems. At #39 he’s lucky he didn’t get the current #1. As you probably know, clay is Cilic’s least preferred surface. If he’s healthy, he does have the potential to give Thiem a hard fight.
And who knows how prepared Thiem is after his first Slam title. He said he was going back to Austria to really celebrate his win. I want to know if he celebrated in moderation and then started to get ready for RG.
Djokovic has the easiest quarter and he’ll breeze through. The second quarter is the least predictable as there are quite a few in the mix. Thiem has the trickiest quarter with Wawrinka and Schwartzman in it. Rafa will get through his quarter ok, even with Zverev in it.
So it’s Rafa versus… Thiem, Djovovic, players 10 years younger than him, the roof, the autumn, 2020, his knees, other body parts, Federer’s record, the number 13, lack of matchplay , being 34, and an almost empty stadium.
It looks like an uphill battle, but I’m glad Rafa didn’t get Thiem’s draw.
So not much for Rafa to worry about then! 😀
I like the idea of Rafa not being the big favorite. Perhaps it takes some of the pressure off.
I agree