Rafael Nadal recalls: 'I have to accept the loss'

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The Paris Masters is one of the biggest titles missing from Rafael Nadal's rich collection. Rafa had his chances in the French capital, but unlike Roland Garros, he is yet to lift the trophy at the prestigious indoor event. Nadal skipped last year's edition due to an injury and was among the title favorites in Paris in 2020. Rafa reached the semi-final and faced Alexander Zverev for a place in the title clash. Nadal did not play at his best in the previous rounds, and Zverev took advantage of that in a 6-4, 7-5 victory. The German came to Paris following back-to-back indoor titles in Cologne, and he toppled the 20-time Major winner to advance into the title clash.

Alexander landed 13 aces and fended off two out of three break chances. Nadal got broken three times to end his campaign in the semi-final, a couple of days after earning his 1000th ATP victory. Zverev fired 37 winners and 18 unforced errors, serving great and landing a service winner in 30% of all initial shots. Zverev overpowered Nadal in the shortest and most extended exchanges and stood strong when it mattered the most. The younger player grabbed a break at love in the opener's third game after forcing an error from the 20-time Major champion and fired a booming serve for a 3-1 lead after 14 minutes. Nadal painted a backhand down the line winner in game seven to stay in touch and hoped for some opportunities on the return.

Rafael Nadal suffered a loss at the 2020 Paris Masters to Alexander Zverev.

Instead, Zverev brought the tenth game home at 15 with a drop shot winner for 6-4 in 38 minutes. Rafa squandered a game point at 1-1 in set number two and suffered a break when his volley failed to pass the net. The Spaniard created his first break chances in game six, wasting both after a couple of winners from Zverev. Rafa faced an ultimate test on serve in game seven, with four break opportunities up for grabs for the German. Regaining composure, Nadal erased them and held after forcing an error from the younger opponent. What he missed in game six, Rafa fixed at 3-4 when Zverev sprayed a forehand error, leveling the score at 4-4 with his first break. Nadal held at love for the first time in game nine to move in front and sent the pressure to the other side. Feeling none of it, Alexander landed an ace to grab game ten and earned a break chance in the next one after a lucky net cord winner. Nadal gave serve away when his backhand landed wide, and Zverev held at 15 to seal the deal and advance into the third straight ATP final.

"It has been a positive tournament for me. Of course, I'm not happy about the loss, but that's part of the game. I spent hours on the court, hoping to win the tournament for the first time, but it's always tricky. I had the right attitude and fought in every match during the whole event. That allowed me to play four matches, which should be helpful for London," Rafael Nadal said. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/Z0JIx8o

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