Rafael Nadal gives verdict on Roger Federer following their epic Wimbledon semi-final
Rafael Nadal has admitted that he was simply beaten by the better player o the day when he lost his Wimbledon semi-final to old rival Roger Federer on Friday.
The Spaniard has played in three Grand Slam finals, winning two of them, since Federer’s last shot at a major title, and was well-fancied heading into their clash on Centre Court .
However, it was Federer who emerged with the win, and Nadal is happy enough to give him credit for it – as well as lamenting his own misfiring backhand.
“I think his return was better than my one this afternoon. I didn’t receive well today.
“When that happens, he’s in advantage, he’s in the control of the match generally because you feel little bit more under pressure than him.
Amazing match well deserved win by @rogerfederer I had some chances but… Roger played better. Good luck for the final @Wimbledon 2019. Thanks all for the support. Always fantastic to be here. See you next year! 😘
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) 12 July 2019
“Even like this, I had, yeah, the early break in the third. I had a couple of mistakes in that moment. That have been a tough moment I needed to resist.
“The beginning of the third probably was one of the keys of the match. Then I think at the end of the match I started to play much better, no? But was late.
“I think today the backhand didn’t work as good as in the previous rounds. I was little bit too worried about my backhand, so I was not able to move with freedom to the forehand.
“I was a little bit too worried about not missing with the backhand. When that happens against player like him, is so difficult. As I said, I think he played aggressive, he played a great match, and just well done for him.”
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