Rafa Nadal’s harsh self-criticism after Bastad defeat

Rafael Nadal leaves with a bittersweet feeling after ATP 250 BastadYes, the Spaniard returned to the final two years after Roland Garros and after beating important opponents like Navone or Norrie, but he lost… and how he lost.

Double faults, constant loss of serve, easy forehands that stayed in the net or went into the doubles corridor… the winner of 22 Grand Slam tournaments lost in the final against Nuno Borges.

After the match, analyzing what happened, Nadal was very self-critical: “I have a lot of experience and I knew it would not be easy. I just have to accept everything that happens and keep working to improve.”

Although he is in optimal physical condition, his level is far from ideal for participation in the elite.

“I played very badly and I feel sad about it. It’s hard for me to play worse than I did today.“I felt a lack of energy, and that may be normal because I haven’t played for a long time for several days in a row and I’ve also had long and intense matches,” Nadal explained.

“It’s important to me that my body can withstand the demands of the week, but physically and mentally I’m out of strength for today,” he added.

“I can’t say that I’m happy with my tennis because The level of play was very far from what it was before. “at previous training sessions,” he concluded.