Despite the tough and in some ways unexpected loss to Tsitsipas, Rafael Nadal is sociable and clear at the press conference. The Spanish tennis player doesn’t usually look for excuses for his defeats and today’s one is no exception.
“I missed a couple of shots in the tie-break that I shouldn’t have missed if I wanted to win. That’s all. I think Stefanos played great fourth and fifth sets.
I’ve been there, I’ve played some bad games, congratulations to him ”. However, Rafa does not hide his disappointment with an event that is very close to his heart. “The Australian Open is without a doubt one of my favorite events.
He probably played better than me in the important moments, it was even. I’ve always done my best with the best attitude. […] I tried to stay positive throughout the game but it wasn’t enough.
[…]That’s all, another story in my tennis career. No, one more game that I lose in Australia with an important advantage I have to accept and move on. That’s life. “As already mentioned, Nadal does not lack compliments to his youngest opponent” one of the best players in the world “, whom he does not want to elude.
“He started playing much better from the third set. At this point in the fourth and fifth he was playing at a really high level. ”Rafa still takes it philosophically. “I made a few mistakes, it wasn’t enough and I have to go home and train even better.
[…]Today wasn’t enough even as I got closer. But it’s tennis, that’s it, it’s sport. One wins and the other loses. I lost today. The only thing I can do is try to do better next time and congratulate him today.
“Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and longtime former coach, recently published an article attempting to explain what happened in the quarter-finals. The 59-year-old praised Tsitsipas for his resilience, which was seen from the third set.
Uncle Toni about Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal lost control of the game as soon as he conceded the tiebreak. This moment was enough for Tsitsipas, who used the moment brilliantly. Tsitsipas took the opportunity and drove the comeback in three sets.
“I’ve always hoped to get him back in shape over the days,” said Toni Nadal of Rafa. “There is nothing else to do but the usual. Look ahead and now think of Paris to chase an exhilarating 21st Grand Slam trophy. ”
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