Rafa Nadal bounced back with an alarming final collapse in Paris

It is the same city, Paris, but in opposite locations and elements. from the paradise of Roland Garroswhere Rafa Nadal has reigned fourteen times, in the hell of Paris-Bercy. From a grateful clay court to a more inhospitable indoor-hard court combination.

It was a difficult place to return to after almost two months away from the circuit, after losing in the second round of the US Open to the American. Frances Tiafoe and later paternity was brought out. The rival, the American Tommy Paul, did not help either. With so many hands, he already expressed problems with his double 6-4 over Robert Baptist the previous day. Both campaigns have already been defeated Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz. A risk in a day of inspiration, without pressure on his shoulders.

Nadal, in tears, dripping with sweat, experienced many doubts and mistakes. He even lacked confidence in the third set, which he needed to survive the second. It was not his day, he took it, and lost 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) and 6-1 in 2h.33′ against a tommy paul25 years old and world number 31, who will be a rival in the round of 16, this Thursday, from Pablo CarrenoCanadian Denis Shapovalov won 7-6 (2), 2-6 and 6-4.

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The farewell of Nadal, 36 years old and number 2, entered the cabal, although almost played each other for the help of the public. Not the destruction of the third part. He fell down, as if he wanted to leave the stage.

A mark of Nadal’s unforced error, many have the right, is his reference shot. He held on in the second set. He had 2-1 and a ‘break’ which he served point blank. He began his descent. He saved two balls from 2-4, came back from a set point at 4-5. He fought until the ‘tiebreak’ Paul showed that he has extra to take initiative, on the scoreboard and in the game.

This American trend was underlined starting in the third round with 0-2. Rafa has a recovery option, a ‘break’ ball played correctly. From a possible 2-2 to 1-3 Paul. And no more from the Balearic Islands. Whatever it was, it fell. Thoughtful, sad, he gave up.

Pablo Carreño also followed Carlos Alcarazwho is certain to leave Paris number one no matter what happens in the round of 16 against Grigor Dimitrov. He needs to reach the quarterfinals or Nadal won’t win the tournament. Rafa is not for this, so he shows it in a meeting from more than the least concern about how.

Nadal cheated in the opening sleeve, with the help of other people’s mistakes and the natural ability to exploit the least favorable situation to remove obstacles. 6-3 should have brought him peace, but he succumbed to an irregular night, without a spark. Strange. And the opponent knew this and stopped accepting to have his own session of glory after this course fell in the Balearic in Acapulco6-0 and 7-6 (5).

Nadal’s sixth loss this season, in which he has 38 wins and four titles (Melbourne, Australian Open, Acapulco and Roland Garros). The ATP Finals remain, at Turin from November 13 to 20. It will not come in the best condition. Time to reflect with his team to find a solution for the end of 2022 of mixed feelings for Rafa. Succeeds but also backstabs in the form of injuries at times and at the worst possible times.

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