Rafael Nadal lost his first ever Wimbledon semifinal, as Novak Djokovic beat him in an intense five-setter.
Novak Djokovic was back to his best as he overcame Spain’s Rafael Nadal in the semifinal of Wimbledon 2018. Djokovic will now face South Africa’s Kevin Anderson in the final. Anderson beat John Isner of the USA in another marathon five-setter.
Rafael Nadal, in the post-match interview, stated that he didn’t have time to anaylze his performance yet. “Being honest, I didn’t have the time to analyze. I wasn’t a spectator, but I think it was a great show for the fans, I’m happy to have been part of this,” said Nadal.
“Of course, If I had broken, maybe I could win. On 3rd BP I came back from defense, I decided to go for the net after a good cross court BH, many times it worked well. I don’t think I was impatient, he hit a good passing shot and that’s it, that is sport,” Nadal said about his game-play in the fifth set.
“Ma and Nole, our rivalry? If I said it was fantastic for tennis I would sound arrogant (laughter), that’s your take to say.
“Normally I am very critic with myself, but today I hit many great shots, of course I missed some, but I gave my best, he beat me, he was better, well done. I won’t talk about the closed roof, I don’t want you to ride on this (smiling)
“I think I did a great walk this year, it’s difficult to come back from injuries, I’m proud of myself,” said Nadal.
“While I was waiting yesterday, well, I thought, I warmed up like ten times, and watched the match. (Anderson vs Isner)
Nadal also appreciated Djokovic’s game-play. “He’s playing great, In my opinion he’s top level again, I mean, he’s in the finals of Wimbledon,” said Nadal.
“Today just wasn’t my day, it was his, and I congratulate him.
“All that could have happened yesterday, all that could have happened today… in the end, I don’t believe in luck, for whatever reason it’s always the best that have luck, and the best yesterday and today was him,” said the Spaniard.
Rafael Nadal also commented on the decision to play under the roof.
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“It’s the umpire who decides about the roof, and if you start indoor, you have to end in the same conditions. You decide if that’s fair or it’s not. To gain time we started indoor, and that’s it. I don’t think it’s right, but it’s just my opinion,” said Nadal.
“Anyway, there are so many aspects to consider about this match, a lot of very good tennis from both, the roof matter doesn’t count in the end,” Nadal concluded.
