“He was serving bombs” Rafael Nadal reacts to his unexpected defeat against Alexander Zverev in the Paris Masters semi-final

Rafael Nadal is associated as a dominant force on the ATP tour. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is at 100% every time he competes. The Spaniard also has the highest win-loss percentage record in the world. In spite of standing guard at this 83%, he has failed to add the Paris Masters title to his mantle. Further, he hasn’t clinched the coveted Nitto ATP finals trophy in his career yet.

Alexander Zverev finished his semifinal match against Nadal with a 97% first-serve percentage (58/60). He bettered Nadal to win this clash 6-4, 7-5. In his post-match conference, Rafa stated, “I was not able to (return). He was serving bombs and hitting the right spots all the time.”

This straight-set loss against Zverev is certainly a shocking one. However, Nadal has had some trouble in the indoor hard court season. There’s only so much a body can take, and he seems to extend beyond every limit during the French Open. Even though such is the case, Nadal has repeatedly reached the final stages of every single tournament that he’s contended in.

Nadal commented on his chances at the upcoming ATP finals. Referring to his week in Paris, he said that his week in Paris wasn’t close to being bad. Even though he didn’t succeed in winning the title, the Spaniard earned his 1000^th victory and reached the semi-final where the draw was stacked with top-notch players.

Nadal further added, “Of course, I wanted to win the tournament, but it’s always difficult. I need to adjust a couple of things. But I’m doing well on all the important things.  I have one week (for Nitto ATP finals) and a little bit more to keep working. And I hope be ready for it.”

World No.7 Zverev will face the World No.5 Daniil Medvedev in the final of Paris Masters later today. Rafa on the other hand, will be seen in action at the Nitto ATP Finals.