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
-
Tennis FeaturesSix ways clay courts are superior to hard courts
Clay courts often get a bad rap with the odd player gripe repeated endlessly in the media, but the surface has a number of big upsides.
-
Tennis NewsWATCH: Intense Felix Auger-Aliassime brushes off Laver Cup spat with Gael Monfils
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gael Monfils shared some heated moments after the Canadian complained to the umpire during their Laver Cup clash.
-
ATP TourMore questions for Andy Murray to answer after another agonising defeat
Andy Murray blew an early lead as he crashed to defeat against Aslan Karatsev in the last 16.
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer reveals what he misses about tennis as Rafael Nadal surprises him
Speaking in an interview with former world No 1 Jim Courier at the Laver Cup, the 20-time Grand Slam champion reflected on how his life chan
-
US OpenTop coach spotted Coco Gauff’s potential very early on
Patrick Mouratoglou has revealed that Coco Gauff left a big impression on him during their first meeting.
-
Tennis NewsBritish star set for rankings breakthrough after a decade on the ATP Tour
Liam Broady set to break into the top 100 of the ATP rankings for the first time.
-
Tennis NewsGuadalajara proves a balm for Maria Sakkari’s suffering once again
Maria Sakkari feels that the bond between herself and Guadalajara has grown closer after another deep run in the Mexican city.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic hits raw nerve with tennis chiefs after latest controversial comments
Djokovic has made some radical proposals that would ensure the huge amounts of cash being generated by gambling goes to tennis players.
-
Tennis NewsBen Shelton salutes the three players who have taken him under their wing
Ben Shelton has paid homage to the brotherhood of the top American men in the game.
-
Tennis NewsCan Cameron Norrie still reach the ATP Tour finals powered by strong Asian swing?
Cameron Norrie is out to reach the ATP Tour finals this term.