“I Was Worried”: Rafael Nadal Makes Honest Admission After Barcelona Open 2021 R1 Victory

World No. 3 Rafael Nadal survived a tough match against Ilya Ivashka at the Barcelona Open 2021. Rafa doesn’t usually lose a single set on clay, but interestingly, he lost the first one he played in the very first round of the tournament. However, he made an incredible comeback and won the match. The final scoreline of the match was 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

In the post-match interview, Rafael Nadal was asked whether he was worried about his performance at the Monte Carlo Masters 2021 and if it impacted his performance in the first round. Surprisingly, the Spaniard admitted that it did worry him, but he is now playing at a different tournament.

“I mean, it’s a different story,” began Nadal. “Every match is a different story. So if I’m worried, of course, I was worried. If not, I’m lying and I don’t like to lie. I’m a human. When you lose the first set and you are not playing well, of course, I am worried. But at the same time, I’m focused to change the dynamics of the match.”

Rafa highlighted that even though he was worried during the match, he tried to fight hard. His determination yielded results for him as he is still in the competition.

“Was expecting a reaction from myself”- Rafael Nadal

After losing the first set against Ivashka, Rafa said that he was expecting a reaction from himself to play much more aggressive tennis, and he managed to play according to his plan.

“More than worried, I was expecting a reaction from myself, try to play with a different energy, trying to play more aggressive… I try to play more forehands and that’s what I did,” added Rafa.

Rafael Nadal has surely had an early lesson in the tournament. Now, he’ll face Japan’s Kei Nishikori today in the pre-quarters of the Barcelona Open 2021. Will Rafa be able to lift his 12th title in Barcelona this year?

Also Read: “Need to Play Better”: Rafael Nadal Eyes Kei Nishikori Scalp After Nervy First Win at Barcelona Open 2021