Rafael Nadal’s 20-match unbeaten run is over!

The all-time Slam king lost to American Taylor Fritz in straight sets 3-6, 6-7(5) at the BNP Paribas Open in two hours and 6 minutes.

Rafa had been searching for a fourth title in California, but it was Fritz who powered to his first ATP Masters 1000 title. The American is the first player to beat our champ in 2022.

After losing the first set, our champ asked for a medical timeout. He left the court with pain in his chest, which has been giving him problems during the last two matches of the Indian Wells tournament.

After the match, Rafa was gracious in defeat:

“Congrats Taylor to you and your team. You do very well. Very well played. I tried my best. Today it was not possible. But we had a nice fight. Very happy to be back here, one of my favorite places.

“Thanks to my team. I think we did great work, we can be happy about the way things went during the latest months. We keep working, we’ll practice even more to live other days like today.”

Rafa is slated to play at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master next month (April 11-18).

Take a good rest and get well soon, Rafa!