The Spaniard was beaten in the final of the Indian Wells Masters by US underdog Taylor Fritz
Rafael Nadal said he had difficulty breathing as his unbeaten start to 2022 came to an end in a shock defeat to America’s Taylor Fritz in the final of the Indian Wells Masters.
Nadal had won all 20 of his matches in a remarkable run to start the year, but that streak finished in California as Fritz saw off the Spanish veteran in straight sets, 6-3 7-6 (7-5), to earn a first Masters 1000 title.
“I had pain, honestly. I had problems breathing,” said a dejected Nadal after the loss. “I don’t know if it’s something on the rib, I don’t know yet. When I’m breathing, when I’m moving it’s like a needle all the time inside here. I get dizzy a little bit because it’s painful.
“It’s a kind of pain that limits me a lot. It’s not only about pain, I don’t feel very well because [it] affects my breathing.”
After returning from a lingering foot injury which forced him out of action for four months at the end of last year, Nadal had started the 2022 season in sensational form, going on a run that included winning the Australian Open as great rival Novak Djokovic was sidelined due to his unvaccinated status.
But against Fritz on Sunday, Nadal looked badly out of sorts as he racked up 34 unforced errors throughout the contest, leaving the court for treatment at 4-0 down in the opening set.
“[It is] more than [being] sad for the loss, [that is] something that I accepted immediately, and even before the match ended. It’s more about that I am suffering a little bit, honestly,” said Nadal.
