Rafael Nadal's hopes to win the Barcelona Open for the 13th time was dashed after losing 7-5, 6-1 to Alex de Minuar at the clay-court Barcelona Open on April 17. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was playing his first tournament since January and comfortably defeated 62nd-ranked Flavio Cobolli in straight sets in the first round on April 16.
Alex was in better shape than me: Rafael Nadal
“Alex is a great player. In terms of tennis today, he was in better shape than me,” Nadal said in the post-match presentation.
“He has really played at a very high level since the beginning of the season. I think he has made a very important step forward in his level of tennis”, he added.
Notably, this was de Minaur’s second win against Nadal in their five encounters. The Aussie then shared about his preparation.
"I knew as soon as I saw the draw that I had a chance to play against Rafa and that if it happened, it would be a unique match, very special, nothing like the ones we have had in the past. Maybe in the past I could worry a little bit more about how I wanted to play tactically or what I wanted to do well, what the plan was," Alex de Minaur said.
I'm very happy with how I approached it: Alex de Minuar
The 25-year-old went on to say that he was on cloud nine after winning the match.
"Today, I was trying to play it like any other game, which wasn't easy at all. I'm very happy with how I approached it and I was able to get the win at the end."
Hence, de Minauar also expressed dismay while talking to the reporters after the match.
"Obviously, like everyone in tennis, I'm a little sad because nobody wants Rafa to stop playing," he said.
This was probably my last match here: Nadal
Meanwhile, Nadal hinted that this might have been his final appearance at the Barcelona Open.
“It's natural that this was probably my last match here. I really enjoyed playing here. It was unimaginable to win it 12 times”, Nadal added.
Notably, he also pulled out from the Monte Carlo Masters because of a lingering injury. He said that his body wasn’t ready.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
