The Spanish Rafael Nadalnumber 2 in the world, returned to the competition three weeks after his paternity with a painful defeat in the Masters 1,000 Paris-Bercy before the American Tommy Paul (n.31), who will meet this Thursday in the round of 16 against the Spanish Pablo Carrenoexecutioner of the canadian Denis Shapovalov by 7-6 (2), 2-6 and 6-4.
New father since last October 8 and without competing in singles since fell in the round of 16 at the US Open two months agoNadal, 36, was allowed to come back from a set lead (6-3) by a solid Paul who won the second set in the tie break 7-6 (4) and the third by a resounding 6-1.
The American tennis player, 31 in the world, had already given the surprise the previous day by eliminating Roberto Bautista (6-4, 6-4). This year he had already won the ‘top 10’ as Alexander Zverev y Carlos Alcarazbut he also found a Nadal who went from more to less in the match.
“I played a horrible game”
Down 4-1 in the third set, at the break, Nadal was left with his head sunken, dripping with sweat, as if he had a physical problem that prevented him from playing, although he denied it. “Everything is fine. The credit has gone to Paul. I’ve had my chances but i played a horrible game“, he declared at the end of the match to Tennis Majors’, the world number 2.
If in Paris, at Roland Garros he has won 14 titles, on the other side of his favorite stage, at the Masters 1,000 in Paris-Bercy, Nadal is still unable to win the title for another year.
The player who has won the most Grand Slams (22) moves away from the world number 1 held by his compatriot Carlos Alcarazwho is still in the tournament and will keep it at least until the end of this Masters 1,000 on Sunday.
Were 2 hours and 32 minutes of a match in which Nadal went from more to less. From an authoritarian first round, supported by a good defense, the Spaniard was diluted by Paul’s good percentage of winning shots.
Nadal, inaccurate with 19 unforced errors, managed to save two set points in the second setbut ended up succumbing in the tiebreaker.
Off centered, the Spanish tennis player quickly delivered the third set, which ended in a resounding 6-1 for the American.
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Nadal leaves the Parisian tournament with a bitter taste. Although it takes place in his fetish city where he won 14 Roland Garros, this 1,000 indoor Masters is one of the few that is missing from his illustrious resume.
His best mark was a final loss to David Nalbandian in 2007. Most of the Spaniard’s appearances in this event, the penultimate of the season, were marked by absences or withdrawals due to physical problems.