“It Is Dangerous”: Rafael Nadal on Stumbling During Italian Open Finals Against Novak Djokovic
Follow Us
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Italian Open – Foro Italico, Rome, Italy – May 13, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his third round match against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
In a perfect tune-up to the upcoming French Open, Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic to win a record-extending 10th title at the Italian Open. It was the 57th match between the two heavyweights and with the victory, Nadal has almost bridged the gap in their head-to-head meetings to 28-29.
One of the incredible yet frightening moments in the thrilling final happened when Nadal tripped over the sideline while attempting a passing shot close to the net.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Italian Open – Foro Italico, Rome, Italy – May 16, 2021, Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Despite hitting the ball for a cross-court winner, Nadal was visibly angry over the brutal fall he suffered which ended up tearing off a small portion of the skin on his left knee. The Spaniard vented out his frustration on the chair umpire over the plastic lines which were slightly raised above the clay surface.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rafael Nadal talks about the brutal fall
During the post-match conference, a reporter asked Nadal about the nasty fall which could have resulted in a potential injury. In the reply, Nadal blamed the plastic lines which resulted in him tripping on the court.
The World No.3 had also suffered a dangerous fall during his quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev, an incident Nadal stated could have twisted his ankle.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance
April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Fashion ‘Upgrade’ Stumps Tennis World As They React to Her Outing With Rumored Boyfriend
April 23, 2024 06:48 AM EDT
Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Sparks Fresh Controversy with Her Bizarre Preference for Men’s Tennis over the WTA Tour
April 24, 2024 05:08 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I don’t want to create a problem. But it is dangerous. That’s it. No, I was upset because the other day I was close to having a major injury. Today it was the same. So when it happens two, three times, because the other day it was twice too.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“The second time around, I didn’t fall, but was close to turning my ankle. And today, it’s the same. The line was higher than the clay,” Nadal said.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Italian Open – Foro Italico, Rome, Italy – May 16, 2021, Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
After Nadal’s vicious stumble, the chair umpire called on the court workers to hammer the sidelines in level with the clay court surface.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With the historic win, Nadal claimed his 36th Masters 1000 trophy and equaled Djokovic‘s record of most Masters 1000 titles won. It also reaffirmed Nadal as the favorite entering the 2021 Roland Garros, a tournament where he boasts an astonishing 100-2 win-loss record.
With the French Open two weeks away, Nadal has time to rest and then start preparations for defending his crown at the iconic Philippe Chatrier, in Paris.
Written by:
