“Lost a big opportunity” Rafael Nadal rues defeat against Daniil Medvedev at the Nitto ATP Finals

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal did not succeed to add the Nitto ATP Finals title onto his mantle this time again. After competing at the highest level all week, Daniil Medvedev ousted the Spaniard in their semi-final clash 3-6, 7-6, 6-3. 

Rafa was a game away from securing a straight-sets victory over the World No.4. With this win, he would’ve also solidified his lead over Daniil in their head-to-head which was previously at 3-0. However, Nadal lost this duel, and with it, he lost the opportunity to lift this coveted title in 2020.

Nadal is one of the greatest players of all time who has scored over a thousand wins. He has proven many wrong with his incredible dominance on all surfaces. He is yet to bag a few titles in his glorious career, one of which is that of the year-end championship. 

However, after his loss against Medvedev, he will have to wait another year for this opportunity. The 34-year-old was 6-3, 5-4 in the second set and was serving for the match. To everyone’s surprise, Daniil proceeded to break Rafa before claiming the second set and eventually the third. 

Citing this, in his post-match press conference, Rafa admitted, “In 5-4, he played a good game and I played a bad game. That’s it. But I lost a big opportunity.”

Rafa regretted this loss, but proceeded to congratulate Daniil by stating “well done for him and not enough good for me.”

While Daniil will head on to face Dominic Thiem in the finale, Rafa will be next seen in action in 2021.