Nadal’s struggle to complete close matches continues in Shanghai

Rafael Nadal says that one reason he has slipped in the rankings this season is because he has been unable to win many close matches. The world No. 7 has lost a number of matches in the final set, including to Michael Berrer in Qatar, Tomas Berdych at the Australian Open, Fabio Fognini in Rio, Milos Raonic at Indian Wells, Fernando Verdasco in Miami, Alexandr Dolgopolov at Queen’s Club, Feliciano Lopez in Cincinnati, and again to Fognini at the U.S. Open. In many of these matches, Nadal had a lead.

“Is different story,” said Nadal, who also lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in three sets last week in the Shanghai semifinals. “I lost this year a lot of matches that I should win because I was on advantage during the match.

“[Against Tsonga] was not the case. I lost the first set, I won the second, then was very close, the score. The match could go to any player. Went for him. That’s it. Congratulate him.

“But is not the same case like Fognini in Rio. Is not the same case like Berrer in Doha. Is not the same case as Wawrinka in Rome [where he lost in straight sets]. Fognini in Barcelona, I had hundreds of opportunities in the second set [where he also lost in straight sets]. Fognini in the US Open. A lot of matches that I should win because I was under control, and I lost. I don’t mean winning that much I will be No. 2 of the world, because I will be lying. But winning the matches that I should win, probably the year will look a little bit different.”

The 14-time Grand Slam champion has won three titles this year, but none at the Grand Slam or Masters 1000 level. He is is next scheduled to play in Basel, next week.

Posted by Janice Johnson (Source: Tennis.com)