“Wanted To Leave With The Trophy”: Rafael Nadal on Rolex Paris Masters 2020 Semifinal Loss

Rafael Nadal once again failed to deliver at the Rolex Paris Masters as he lost to Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. Zverev cruised to a straight-set victory (6-4, 7-5) and booked a place in his first final in Paris. For Nadal, it was yet again a disappointment, as there was a lot at stake. 

“Of course I wanted to leave here with the trophy,” said Nadal after the loss. A win would have had him overjoyed with emotions. Moreover, a finals victory would have earned Nadal the elusive Bercy Masters crown and it would’ve been a record-tying 36th Masters crown, matching Novak Djokovic’s record. 

However, Alexander Zverev gained momentum right from the start. His explosive serves exposed Nadal’s shortcomings which in turn helped him dominate the match. Nadal pushed for a late charge, but even he knew the game was already in Zverev’s hands. 

“I’m happy with my game because I felt better than at the beginning of the week,” Nadal added. “Alex played very well, great serves, more than 200 all. I realized late how to play him.”

Also Read: “Never Easy to Play Him”- Alexander Zverev Reacts After Stunning Win Over Rafael Nadal at Rolex Paris Masters 2020

Rafael Nadal on his infamous Paris Bercy Masters curse

Rafael Nadal has always found the tournament in Paris to be a roadblock. Not Roland Garros of course, but the Paris Masters. The King of Clay has struggled to conquer the indoor hard court tournament as it isn’t the ideal one for his playing style. 

But he’s never managed to reach the finals in Paris more than once, which raises quite a supernatural speculation. Is the tournament cursed against Rafa Nadal? It’s indeed a nutty take on the matter, but the Spaniard did casually address it and rubbish the idea!

“I don’t think #ParisBercy has a curse at all! Nadal clarified. It seems to me the most normal thing in the world not to ever win a Masters 1000 and lose to a great player like #Zverev. It is my 1st tournament on this surface. I would never talk about a fu**ing tournament “(laughs)

However, setting this aside, there are more tournaments that are ahead, and obviously, the year-end ATP Finals is fast approaching. This is yet another precious title that is missing from Rafael Nadal’s trophy cabinet. 

With the tournament’s participants confirmed, there should be plenty of time for everyone to practice for the grand finale to the ATP calendar. Nadal acknowledged that he needs to tweak his performance in certain areas to boost his game for the Nitto ATP Finals 2020. 

“I should feel more confident on the backhand and when subtracting. These are things to improve…Today I go home to rest and then yes to London,” he mentioned. 

The ATP Finals is just around the corner and there are huge expectations this year. Nadal will once again be the highlight as a maiden title is still majorly awaited in London. Can the Spainard achieve it in 2020? 

Also Read: “Need To Adjust”: Rafael Nadal Gives Gloomy Statements Regarding Chances at ATP Finals 2020