Stan Wawrinka Once Blatantly Accused Rafael Nadal of Cheating Amidst a Crucial Encounter – ‘The Umpire Should Have Done Something’

Rafael Nadal is one of the most adored players of this generation. People not only admire his skill set but also his gentleman-like behavior. He is famous for keeping true to the rules and over the years has gained an army of fans who would support him blindly. However, an allegation that came from Stan Wawrinka’s end once stirred some imbalance. 

The Swiss tennis professional also is someone whose words are regarded highly. Therefore, his claim of facing foul play from the 22 times Grand Slam champion’s team sparked some debate. Here’s what he said about their 2013 ATP Tour Finals clash.

Wawrinka about Rafael Nadal receiving illegal coaching

The three times Grand slam champion after his defeat in the ATP Finals once opened up about the illegal coaching that Nadal received during their match. He said, “Today I didn’t agree with the umpire that he didn’t tell him something or he didn’t give him second warning just because it was Rafa.”

“We all see. I was there. Before every point, he was trying to coach him. That just what happened. Again, it’s nothing against Rafa or Toni. That’s in the rules. Normally, the umpire should have done something.” At that time, the Spaniard was playing under his uncle Toni Nadal’s guidance and defeated Wawrinka in the straight sets of 7-6 7-6. 

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Further, Nadal also got the better of compatriot David Ferrer, Czech professional Tomas Berdych, and the 20 times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer to make it up to the finals of the tournament so that he could give a perfect end to the year which brought him two majors trophies. However, in the finals, the defending champion Novak Djokovic outclassed him in sets of 6-3 6-4. 

Nadal’s performance this season

The 36-year-old claimed his 14th French Open trophy after reigning on the hard courts of the Australian Open. Thereafter, the resurfacing of his foot injury clouded his chances of participation in Wimbledon. Though he made a comeback post seeking medical help and executed a semifinal run in the Grand Slam of grass.

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However, in Wimbledon, he incurred a gruesome abdominal injury that affected his game in the American swing. The former World No 1 faced an opening round defeat in the Cincinnati Masters and could only make up to the US Open’s round of 16.