Nadal was once again plagued by groin problems and it even looked like she would give up the match. But the 36-year-old Spaniard found the strength to equalize in the fourth set and in the decisive fifth set completed the turnaround with a 10:4 triumph in the tie-break
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“This hurts more than any previous loss. I’m not afraid to say that this is definitely the most painful defeat in my career,” Reuters quoted Fritz, who reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in London.
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“When the match ended and I was sitting on the bench, I wanted to cry. I’ve never experienced anything like that. I’ve never wanted to cry after a lost match,” added the 24-year-old American.
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Fritz also lamented after the match that the fans in the center court were completely on the side of the Spanish favorite. He was convinced that the support of the stands would certainly help him in critical moments.
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However, he did not blame the fans. “I’m definitely not angry. After all, I won’t blame them for rooting for someone like that. After all, it’s Nadal!” declared Fritz, who at the All England Club failed to follow up on his recent victory over Nadal in the Indian Wells final.
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