Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Rome
[CR7] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [CR9] Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
Nadal loses a crucial match after leading in the tiebreaker. Every match is important to a tennis player; yet, some are more important than others. Today’s match against Wawrinka was one of those matches. It was vital for Nadal to win this match for two reasons: to build on his excellent performance from yesterday; and with Roland Garros only nine days away, provide a huge boost for his waning confidence. This was another setback in Nadal’s recovery and it was a critical psychological injury that he may not recover from in time for the French Open.
Is it possible that Nadal is losing because he is ambivalent about playing tennis? He has publicized repeatedly his lack of confidence and his desire for a family. Is it weighing on his mind that he is the only member of the fabled “top four” that is still single? He recently posted on his Facebook page that his best years are behind him. If he truly believes that, how can he expect to get back to a level capable of successfully competing against members of the top ten? Losing the first set after leading 5-2 in the tiebreaker and serving for the set may be a result of this ambivalence. Credit Wawrinka who played brilliant tennis when it mattered to get the 7-6(7), 6-2 victory.
I was so hopeful!!!
He needs to retire and evaluate his mental issues!
Then he will need to re consider when he can come back!
This is so reminiscent of when Sampras was near the end of his career. The surprising thing with Nadal is that it happened so abruptly. Then again, maybe not. Maybe the early round losses at Wimbledon were the initial indications that something was changing within. Now that he is being dominated on his favorite surface by players he once dominated; perhaps we have to accept that he may be close to retiring. Whether that’s true or not, it is glaringly obvious to everyone that something is seriously wrong. Taking some time away from the sport may give him a new perspective.
I would agree with the idea of him taking some time off to re-evaluate but I think that time off may partially be responsible for his latest debacle. I am really leaning toward the fact that his heart may no longer be in it as he struggles between the notion of retiring and starting a family and his love of the sport. It will definitely be interesting to see how things develop over the next couple months, especially if he is dismissed early on from Roland Garros, which I predict will be the case.