Rafael Nadal: 'I played a poor match in Monte Carlo, which is a surprise after I..'

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After a solid closure of the previous season on an indoor court, Rafael Nadal was ready to embrace another strong run in 2021. The 20-time Major champion went to Adelaide in January to train ahead of the ATP Cup and the Australian Open. As many times before, Rafa experienced an injury that spoiled his plans, struggling with back pain and skipping the ATP Cup to recover for the season's first Major. Not knowing what to expect in the best-of-five encounters, Rafa made a strong start at the Australian Open, beating four players in straight sets to preserve energy and remain on the title course. Nadal made a great start against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-final, taking the opening two sets before losing the third-set tie break. Tsitsipas gained momentum and beat Rafa in sets four and five to stun world no. 2 and send him home. Nadal withdrew from Rotterdam and Miami to treat injury and get back at 100%, setting eyes on his beloved clay swing and Monte Carlo.

Working at home in Mallorca, Nadal went to the Principality prepared to chase the title, only to suffer the quarter-final defeat against Andrey Rublev. Speaking about the match while preparing for Barcelona, Nadal said that he left Monte Carlo behind him, realizing his errors that came as a surprise after training well in the previous days. Rublev defeated his idol 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in two hours and 32 minutes, preventing Rafa from winning the Monte Carlo crown for the second straight time. Andrey proved to be too strong for the king of clay for his second consecutive Masters 1000 semi-final.

Rafael Nadal shared thoughts about Monte Carlo loss to Andrey Rublev.

Rublev stole Nadal's serve seven times, dominating the scoreboard in sets one and three to deliver Nadal's 41st ATP loss on clay. The youngster had 23 winners and 28 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and taking advantage of Nadal's over 30 unforced mistakes, especially from his backhand wing that never looked like a serious shot. Nadal will try to get back on the winning way in Barcelona this week, seeking the 12th title at home at the stadium that carries his name.

"I think I drew conclusions about Monte Carlo; there's nothing more to say. That tournament is already in the past. The defeats are not positive or pleasant, but they put everyone at their place at the particular event. I'm in Barcelona now, and I hope to play on the highest level, aware there are things to improve. In Monte Carlo, I did some things wrong, and it came as a surprise to me, especially after solid training sessions. The important thing is to understand what you did wrong and not repeat that. After a defeat, you need a couple of days to dismiss doubts and recover," Rafael Nadal said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3xagSsB

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