Rafael Nadal: Losing To Shapovalov Was The Worst Loss Of The Year For Me

by Tom Gainey | August 11th, 2017, 2:43 pm
  • 5 Comments

Rafael Nadal left Center Court in Montreal Thursday night in shock after squandering a 30 third set tiebreak lead to lose 7 of the last 8 points in a 36, 64, 76(4) loss to 18-year-old Denis Shapovalov of Canada.

Nadal was just needed two wins to return to No. 1 and surely he would have no problems with the 143rd-ranked teen. But the Shapovalov stepped up and took it Nadal and it paid off in the end.

“Probably is the worst lose of the year we have, without a doubt, for me,” said Nadal who hasn’t won a hard court title since 2014 Doha.


“That’s like this. He play well. I play really bad. When this kind of thing happen, only thing you can do is wish the opponent the best, all the best.

“At the same time because of the opportunity I had here to come back to the No. 1. Always tough, but the draw was not that impossible after all the matches that were happening. So was an important mistake for me. That’s the real thing, no?

“Is a bad lose. Just accept that and keep working.”

Nadal, was stunned by another lefty Gilles Muller at Wimbledon, will have a shot at the No. 1 ranking again next week in Cincinnati, though what he’ll have to do will depend on the outcome of Roger Federer Canadian Open.

Nadal did give Shapovalov credit for the win.

“He has a great potential,” Rafa said. “I wish him the best. He has everything to become a great player. He played with the right determination in the important moments.”

But it’s on to Cincinnati.

“Is probably the worst match of the year for me. But that’s like this. I have another week in Cincinnati, and then I have a Grand Slam coming,” he said. “I am not happy now. Tomorrow probably I don’t going to practice, but I have time to recover mentally. After tomorrow I going to be practicing in Cincinnati, and that’s it.”


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5 Comments for Rafael Nadal: Losing To Shapovalov Was The Worst Loss Of The Year For Me

skeezer Says:

Ok so where did you get the creepy photo of Rafa on the home page?
Unlike some Rafans here who thought Rafa blew it, this kid hit A LOT of winners. He attacked from the BC, and mentally hung in there.


Willow Says:

A Bit of both for me Rafa blew it, but Dennis played amazing too, and about the picture the sofas OK, its the background ornamental kids behind it that are creepy, please change to a better picture TX ? ….


Dan the Man Says:

Pretty grumpy interview from Nadal, he did not like any of the questions if you watch it. He’s entitled. He’s had a great year this year, so I can see why he’s unhappy about this loss. He’s basing his evaluation on his opponent’s ranking number though, not how well his opponent played. Clearly Shapovalov is better than that #143 ranking and he hit 49 winners compared to in the 20s by Nadal. That shows that he has the kind of game that gives Rafa trouble, so he should look at that and not the ranking.


lylenubbins Says:

@ Dan, agree this is the game that gives Rafa trouble on hard courts and I think Rafa knows that too, and is disappointed he did not deal with it better. He has to push to the edge of his comfort zone and go for his groundies more or else they get crushed.


Willow Says:

Grumpy interview, but strange how people pull him to pieces for being all humble and PC, and when he shows emotion he also gets pulled apart, damned if you dont, and damned if you do, as a generalisation just what exactly are these players expected to do smile and laugh after a defeat jeez ….

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