Rafael Nadal insists that his defeat in the final of the BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells was entirely thanks to the excellent performance of Taylor Fritz.
However, the Spaniard admits he was overwhelmed with injuries in the first defeat of the 2022 season (20-1).
“Honestly, I feel the pain. I have breathing problems. I don’t know if it’s something on my ribs, I don’t know yet. When I breathe, when I move, it’s like there’s a needle in here the whole time. I felt a little dizzy because it was quite painful,” said Rafael Nadal.
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“It was the kind of pain that limited me a lot. It’s not just about the pain, I don’t feel so good because it affects my breathing.”
“It’s more than sadness at the loss and something I accepted immediately and even before the game ended. It is more about me suffering a little bit, to be honest.”
There were signs of trouble facing the 2022 Australian Open champion heading into the third set against compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open. During the match, he also received physiotherapeutic treatment.
“I tried my best. Of course, this time is not my day. But that’s what happened. I’ve been in such a situation. So, of course, it’s quite difficult to carry out the final with these conditions. I tried until the end,” continued Rafael Nadal.
“Even though I had chances in the second set, I couldn’t convert too many chances. Just that. I think it was a difficult match to analyze the stats from my side, because I wasn’t able to do a lot of things.”
“This is not the moment to talk about that. Even if it’s obvious that I’m incapable of doing normal things this time. Just that. This is final. I am trying. I lost against a great player.”
Two seasons ago in the final of the Mexican Open, Acapulco, the Spaniard only lost five games against Fritz. The 35-year-old also praised the progress made by the hosts.
“A win like this time will help. He played well. He’s had some impressive games this week I think, especially in the previous games. In my opinion, his victory in the previous match was much bigger than his victory this time, because he faced a tougher opponent,” Nadal commented about Fritz.
“He has played a stunning game in Australia this season if I’m not mistaken, against Stefanos Tsitsipas. It’s clear he’s growing. With this win, it’s been a great start to the season for him. He will have the opportunity to get closer to the top 10.”
Despite the loss in the final of the BNP Paribas Open, the start of the 2022 season has been a spectacular start for the former world number 1. She has won three titles, including claiming the 21st Grand Slam title of her career at the Australian Open.
The Spaniard will now turn his attention to the clay-court season. To date he has won 62 titles on the red court and he will be eyeing to add to his collection in the next few months.
“I’m not the kind of person who gets down or gets very emotional depending on one moment. I’m usually stable and put everything in one particular point of view,” said Nadal.
“Obviously the last two months have been amazing, unforgettable and very emotional. I’m enjoying what I thought I would never be able to do again a few months ago.”
“Now is the time to try to solve this problem as quickly as possible, try to start on clay. Training for the part of the season that I enjoy the most. Of course every tournament is very special for me. I hope I’m ready for that.”
