On paper, nothing is impossible of course. But in view of its recent results, there is room for doubt. For the first time in 13 years, Nadal has lost three games in a row. Three losses once morest… three Americans, Frances Tiafoe at the US Open, Tommy Paul at Bercy and, therefore, Fritz in Turin. Even if you should never say never with such an animal, the most probable hypothesis today is that the Mallorcan 2022 season ends in blood sausage.
ATP Finals
From outsiders to favorites for qualifying: Ruud and Fritz at a crossroads
13 HOURS AGO
One thing is certain, Nadal will not have wasted his time. “When you win two Grand Slams, it’s bound to be a good season, whatever else happens“, reminded the former world number one and current coach of “Rafa”, Carlos Moya. Difficult to contradict him. Winner of the Australian Open then Roland-Garros, Nadal has accomplished more in six months than 99% of players in their entire career. The fact remains that he has concentrated these successes in half a season or so. Since his withdrawal before the semi-finals of Wimbledon due to an abdominal tear, the Spaniard has been living a small ordeal .
A legendary match point: the point that gives Nadal the 21st Grand Slam title
In training, Rafa has been playing really well the last few days but he mightn’t find the key to transposing that into a match.
In the past four months, he has only been able to play seven matches, winning three (all at the US Open where he reached the round of 16) and losing four. “He was a bit unlucky with injuries, play Carlos Moya. He has proven to everyone this season that he can still play well and aim for victory in big tournaments. When his body holds, Rafa is always ready.” That’s the whole point. In the past eighteen months, he’s only been able to express himself at 100% a third of the time, and even then, saving his two spring injuries at Indian Wells and Rome.
Today, for lack of being able to chain the tournaments, he lacks rhythm. He fights with his weapons of the moment, but in the ultra-competitive context of the Masters, that might not be enough. Against Taylor Fritz, it was. “Rafa served well but the rest of his game was not in place and in these conditions once morest an opponent like that it is difficult, admits his coach. It’s not his best match, that’s for sure… In training, Rafa was playing really well, he had very good feelings these last few days, but he mightn’t find the key to transposing that into a match..”
3rd defeat in a row for Nadal, surprised by Fritz: the video summary
So can he get away with it? The Nadal clan refuses, as always, to give up, like Carlos Moya: “It’s not the ideal start but it’s the good side of the Masters. Even if you have a bad day, you can still qualify. We obviously believe there is still a chance, you have to believe it, but he will have to play a lot better.”
Against Félix Auger-Aliassime, he will already play quits or doubles or almost. In case of defeat he will either be eliminated or forced to hope for an improbable miracle. Otherwise, he will be able to turn his back on this complicated period by turning to 2023. With envy, promises Moya. “Obviously, young people are arriving more and more, he said. Rafa is better than he was before, but the legs aren’t the same so you have to adapt to stay competitive. He needs to stay out of harm’s way. It’s the most important, but not the easiest at his age, but it’s the key. If he succeeds, he will still be competitive next year.“
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya at the US Open 2022.
Credit: Getty Images
ATP Finals
A lightning start, unfailing solidity: how Djoko muzzled Tsitsipas
14 HOURS AGO
ATP Finals
Tsitsipas beaten, only Nadal can now prevent Alcaraz from finishing number 1
15 HOURS AGO
