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ATP Masters Monte Carlo: Rafael Nadal - "It was a day to forget"

Rafael Nadal had to admit defeat to Russian Andrey Rublev in three sets in the quarter-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo. The Spaniard now wants to erase the defeat from memory as quickly as possible.

by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Apr 17, 2021, 11:14 am

Rafael Nadal at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo
© Getty Images
Rafael Nadal lost to Andrey Rublev in three sets

Not much spoke in Monte Carlo against a tournament victory of the eleven-time title holder Rafael Nadal . In the first two rounds, the Spaniard only gave five games, Novak Djokovic failed in the round of 16 and even defending champion Fabio Fognini, who outclassed the Spaniard in Monte Carlo in 2019, was eliminated by Casper Ruud in the round of the last eight.

So everything seemed to be done for Nadal, who should also meet a supposedly tired opponent in the quarter-finals. After all, Andrey Rublev dueled Roberto Bautista Agut for almost 2:45 hours in an extremely exhausting game in the round of 16. But everything should come differently on Friday.

Service and backhand as problem areas

While Rublev showed one of the best performances of his career, Nadal acted clearly too incorrectly, especially in sets one and three. That is why the 20-time Grand Slam winner showed himself to be unusually touched during the match: Again and again he put both hands on his hips to express his disappointment.

"I had reasons to complain, but I didn't. I only screamed for a backhand once. I was tired of making unforced mistakes. It was a day to forget. Playing badly against a great player to make is a killer cocktail, "stated the world number three after the encounter.

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In particular, the serve and the backhand left a lot to be desired for the Spaniard. The service was even "a disaster", said Nadal. There are no reasons for this: "I don't understand why, because I had no problems at all in the training units." With his cross backhand, he was also unable to open the place as usual.

Nadal, it was clear to him at the press conference, quarreled with the missed chance for title number twelve in the principality: "I missed starting the clay court season in a good way. Hand on heart: I felt good enough to win the tournament. "

Nadal expects improvement

His defeat was also due to Rublev, who in turn spoke of "one of the best victories" of his career. The Russian played "well and aggressively," explained Nadal. "He's a great guy. I'm happy for him."

He himself will now get down to work to play better in Barcelona next week. "I will train and try to improve. There is no other way, I have an important month ahead of me." And the 34-year-old immediately sent a small declaration of war: "This is not a drama. I will get better. I expect that."

Here the single tableau in Monte Carlo

mcc

by Nikolaus Fink

Saturday
Apr 17, 2021, 11:50 am
last edit: Apr 17, 2021, 11:14 am