“Stomach pain prolonged the match into three sets against Fish”, says Rafael Nadal – Tennis News
World No.2, Rafael Nadal, defeated Mardy Fish in his opening match in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals but not before he faced a severe resistance from the American. Nadal believed that it was more of luck for the American as
he was not felling 100% fit and was suffering from a severe stomach ache towards the end of the second set.
Spaniard said “Early in the third was much worse. There have been times when my head was not there, I felt dizzy.” The score was 2-0 in the third set in favour of the Nadal when he took break and called his physio for some treatment.
He looked a bit stiff in his movements and was not able to make a commanding impact.
He further added “I was really bad, when I gave up two runs stirring the stomach.” This statement clearly shows that he was not feeling well and it was obviously fortunate for the American who was able to take advantage of worsening
stomach pain of Nadal in the second set and enforced the third set.
Nadal did fight his way back in the third set but at the same time he was fighting with the pain as well that was making it much more difficult for him to play his natural game. Nadal further added “If this happens to me nothing
is happening outside.” It clearly shows that Spanish No.1 tennis icon has been suffering from this problem since quiet some time now.
Rafael Nadal hopes that this pain doesn’t erupt again in this tournament because upcoming clashes are much tougher for the Spaniard and he needs to 100% fit. The other side effect of this problem is that his concentration levels
considerably decrease during the pain and he is not able to freely play his game.
Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer, is the next player that Nadal will face-off and he needs to be on top of his game to defeat the legendry tennis icon. While talking about his draw with Federer, Nadal said, “He is a better player than
I do on this surface have shown throughout his career. It is one of the worst that gives me better and given to him.”
Spaniard defeated Federer in their last year meeting at London, ATP tour Finals but believes that it would not be easy to repeat the heroics once again, especially if this pain erupts once again. Nadal has been consistently performing
throughout the year and is in the hunt of his maiden ATP Tour Finals title.
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