Rafael Nadal eliminated from Rome Masters
Rafael Nadal was eliminated from the Rome Masters after losing 2-1 in the round of 16 against Denis Shapovalov. The Spanish tennis player was going for his eleventh title, as he is the player who has won the tournament the most times previously known as the Italian Open. Now, he is focused on recovering to be ready for the Roland Garros.
At 35 years old, the world number 4 knows his limitations and is fully aware of his physique; that is why he emphasized in the post-match press conference that the discomfort he felt in his leg during the third set is due to a chronic injury: Müller-Weiss syndrome, a degenerative disease that deforms one of the bones in the foot.
Rafael Nadal has won the Rome Masters 10 times out of the 18 occasions he has participated. Photo: AFP
"I haven't injured myself, I'm a player who lives with an injury. There's nothing new. My day-to-day is difficult. I'm making a great effort, but of course, sometimes it's hard to accept the situation. Many days I can't train properly," expressed the Mallorcan athlete in the press conference.
Rafael Nadal was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Rome Masters 1000. Photo: AFP
"The worst part is that today I started playing much better than other days. I even trained and warmed up better than the other day, so I feel sad about that. There are many positive things, but when this happens, the rest of the positive things disappear. It's time to accept the situation and fight," said the Manacor native about his performance in Italy.
Regarding his participation in the French Open —a tournament he has won 13 times—, Rafa indicated that it is still too early to make a prediction. "I don't know if I have to rest or train, but I still have a goal for a week and a few days from now. I dream about it."