On March 21, Beijing time, in the final of the Indian Wells Masters, Nadal lost the championship in a cold blow, losing 0-2 to The 20th seed Fritz. This season, Nadal's opening 20-game winning streak came to an end. In this battle, Nadal suffered from chest pain, and Fritz cried with joy after winning the championship.
In this game, Nadal was not in the best condition, in the first set, he was twice broken, and finally lost 3-6, soon, Nadal called a medical timeout. Nadal lay on the ground with chest pain, receiving treatment, his expression was painful, very uncomfortable.
In the second set, Nadal defused a championship point in a full-time non-guaranteed serve to make it 5-5. But in the end, in the seventh, Nadal lost, losing 0-2 and missing the championship. As for Fritz, wept with joy!
Fritz made history when he ended Nadal's 20-game winning streak to win his first career Masters title. Fritz also became the first local player to win the tournament since Agassi in 2001.
After the match, opponent Fritz paid tribute to Nadal, "It's an honor to be able to compete with Rafa on the pitch, Rafa, you're one of the greatest athletes in our sport!" ”
Nadal was generous, "Congratulations to Taylor, congratulations to you and your team, you did a great job and played well. I tried my best and a reversal was a bit unlikely, but we played great and it was great to be back in this sport that I love. ”
As for Nadal, full of regrets, he missed the 37th title of the Masters and failed to match Djokovic. Still, Nadal's world rankings have risen to No. 3, behind Djokovic and Medvedev, who are close to regaining world No. 1.
Objectively speaking, Nadal's loss is considered a cold goal, but considering that Nadal is 35 years old, has fought continuously this season and won 20 consecutive wins, now, Nadal is really tired, he is also injured, and it is understandable to lose the game. Next, Nadal will rest and miss the Miami Masters. But in clay seasons, Nadal wants to make a comeback, especially at the French Open, where he hopes to win his 22nd Grand Slam.