Rafael Nadal blames none but himself for his defeat to Tommy Paul in Paris Masters, refuses a complete guarantee of participation in the ATP Finals
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Rafael Nadal - IMAGO / NurPhoto
World No. 2 Rafael Nadal‘s return to the Tour wasn’t a joyous one as he lost to Tommy Paul in the second round. Despite conceding the first set, Paul made a strong comeback to win the match 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-1, and dump the Spaniard out of the 2022 Paris Masters. It was Nadal’s 7th loss of the season in his 46th match in 2022.
Nadal was playing in the singles for the first time since the 2022 US Open. Following his exit from New York, Nadal played just the farewell doubles match with Roger Federer at the 2022 Laver Cup. Post that, he majorly remained inactive as he became a father for the first time on October 8th.
Nadal refused to shift any blame for his loss. He praised Paul for taking his chances and at the same time discussed both the positives and negatives for him from the match during his press conference after the defeat.
“It’s ok. All the credit to Tommy. It happens. I had my chances but I played a terrible game. He played aggressive. A lot of things going on these latest months, without a doubt. But we are not here to find excuses. It’s the same: you play well you win, you play bad you lose. At the right moment, I didn’t do the right thing. He had the right intensity and concentration.
“In today’s match, I saw positive things. Negative this also. I can’t predict much. Just think about being better, improve a couple of things and play sets against the best players to feel competitive against them. I have to be better, work out things and to play sets. I will try to make it happen. And if it doesn’t happen, it will remain a nice year,” said Nadal.
Rafael Nadal says he needs more days on the Tour
With the Tour events coming to an end with the Paris Masters, only the 2022 ATP Finals remains on Nadal’s calendar. With two Grand Slam titles to his name, there was no doubt about Nadal’s qualification for the Year-End Championships where he continues to hunt for his maiden title at the event.
“I hope (to be in Turin), yes. If nothing happens, I will be there. Nothing to lose after a good year. I need days on the Tour, I didn’t compete enough on the ATP Tour. Mostly practices. Gonna keep trying my best to spend time on the Tour,” added Nadal keeping a doubt on his participation.
The ATP Finals start on 13th November with the title decider on 20th November. With Carlos Alcaraz making his debut at the event next week, the race for Year-End No. 1 will also wage between the two Spaniards, bringing an exciting end to the season for viewers.
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Sarthak Shitole
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