Juan Martin del Potro: It was tough to see crocked Rafael Nadal struggle
Juan Martin del Potro says it wasn’t easy to see “fighter” Rafael Nadal forced to surrender to injury in their US Open semi-final.
Del Potro was two sets up when Nadal opted to quit with a knee injury, with the world number one’s mobility very clearly hampered throughout their clash on Arthur Ashe.
“Of course it’s not the best way to get through a match,” Del Potro said immediately after Nadal pulled out.
“I love to paly against Rafa because he’s the biggest fighter in this sport and I don’t like to see him suffering like today.
VIDEO: Juan Martin del Potro applauds Rafael Nadal off court after injury.https://t.co/SCLQfuZ5Ip
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) September 7, 2018
“I’m sad for him but also happy to reach the final.
“The key of the match was the first set. We both played good tennis, it was a tough one.”
Nadal, who saw a second Grand Slam this year ended by injury, said he knew early on it wasn’t going to be his night.
“I had some issues in the tournament,” Nadal said. “Everyone knows I had an issue in the second or third match.
“It was a little bit better but then yeah. It was in the first set when I felt something on the knee and after that I was just trying to save in some moments to try and improve.
More from Tennis365:
Tennis Today: Serena Williams lays down challenge to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Comment: Why it all feels very different for Roger Federer this time
Comment: Tennis needs Nick Kyrgios, so it’s time he ditched the antics and finally delivered
Quiz! Can you name the players who have bagelled Rafael Nadal?
Latest
-
NewsRonnie O’Sullivan compared to Roger Federer but snooker legend admires another tennis legend
O’Sullivan is a big tennis fan, but his favourite player is one of Roger Federer’s great rivals.
-
Tennis NewsMore big names confirmed for final big tennis event of the year as attendance boom continues
Keith Prowse are offering you a chance to play on court with the big name stars compete at the UTS Grand Final in London.
-
Tennis NewsFormer British No 1 predicts who could topple Novak Djokovic and highlights a rising British youngster
Djokovic remains the undisputed king of tennis, but a new rival could topple him.
-
NewsAndy Murray’s £21m business empire – five of his key successes as Scot adds to social media portfolio
Murray is already prominent on Instagram and Twitter and now the Scot has confirmed his arrival on the business network LinkedIn.
-
Tennis NewsJannik Sinner described as a ‘shark’ as key to his matchup with Novak Djokovic is revealed
Jannik Sinner has been labelled a “shark”, while the key to his matchup with Novak Djokovic has been explained.
-
Tennis NewsTaylor Fritz addresses ‘cocky’ allegations labelled against Holger Rune
“I like Holger,” says Taylor Fritz.
-
Tennis NewsCarlos Alcaraz sends message to Novak Djokovic as he addresses Golden Slam prospect
Carlos Alcaraz has sent a warning to Novak Djokovic as he addressed the ‘Golden Slam’ talk.
-
Tennis NewsCarlos Alcaraz reveals his biggest career goal and explains how he must improve in 2024
Carlos Alcaraz has divulged a goal that is “the biggest thing right now”
-
WTA TourJessica Pegula laments gender pay gap and highlights how women’s tennis can improve
“The pay gap is still very big,” says Jessica Pegula.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic hailed as the ‘most complete player’ who has ‘evolved at a level yet to be reached’
A former world No 5 has lauded Novak Djokovic’s completeness and the way he has evolved.