ATP Masters Paris-Bercy: Rafael Nadal full of praise for his conqueror Alexander Zverev
Rafael Nadal failed at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris-Bercy in the semifinals due to a strong Alexander Zverev . The Spaniard also had to admit this without envy after his departure.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Nov 07, 2020, 07:30 pm
Rafael Nadal's first triumph in the Parisian district of Bercy came to nothing again - and it had become apparent. The Mallorcan had to fight hard in the first round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in the French capital, but was finally able to beat compatriot Feliciano Lopez in three contested sets. The Spaniard also had to lose the opening set in the quarterfinals - the 20-time Grand Slam champion should also make a comeback against Pablo Carreno Busta.
Against an Alexander Zverev, who had traveled to Paris with the self-confidence of two title wins within 14 days at the two home events in Cologne, the world number two should not make such a comeback. Especially because the German, apart from a little lack of concentration in the second round, was simply inviolable when he served himself.
"Well, he just plays great. He has won two tournaments in a row and also plays very well here. He served bombs and played in the right positions," said Nadal in the press conference after his departure Across from. He himself did his job well and returned better than in the previous rounds. "It was simply impossible at the beginning," said the Spaniard about Zverev's service performance in the beginning.
Nadal sees Zverev's forehand improved
Then he decided to return from further back, which worked out quite well. "I was about eight meters behind the baseline to return," said Nadal. "But he plays well, he hits well, he hits forehand where he used to make a little more mistakes," the Spaniard was also surprised by Zverev's newly won forehand strength. He himself had emphasized during the week that his forehand was in the shape of his life. He is glad that the hard work on this blow is now paying off.
For Nadal, at the end of next week, at the Nitto ATP Finals in London, another tournament that he has never won in his entire career. The games in the French capital are good preparation for this, as the 34-year-old emphasizes: "It wasn't a bad tournament for me, I spent many hours on the pitch. Of course I wanted to win, but it's difficult." But he had the right attitude throughout the tournament and fought in every match. "I have to tweak a few small things, but I'm doing the important things well. I now have a week to keep working and I hope I'm ready then."