Tennis

Rafael Nadal suffers fresh setback after losing again in Wimbledon warm-up exhibition


The Spaniard opted not to play an ATP event before Wimbledon instead choosing to get match practice at the Aspall Tennis Classic in Hurlingham this week.

But on Wednesday, Nadal took on Marin Cilic and lost 6-3 6-3 and he’s now been beaten by Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-3 4-6 (10-5).

“It is a little bit better than the other day,” Nadal said.

“Enjoying the chance to be here back in Hurlingham, it is a great experience.

“It is important for me to play this match before Wimbledon starts. We are used to playing in big stadiums but playing at real tennis clubs is very special.”

When asked how the matches will help him at Wimbledon, Nadal joked: “I’ll let you know in a couple of days.”

He added: “I think I am playing better and better every day. Every day is a chance to improve the level of my game and I think since Wednesday, which was the first day I played points, to today I have made a couple of steps forward.

“So I need to keep going. I have tomorrow, Sunday and Monday to keep working hard.”

The latest defeat for Nadal comes after learning earlier today that he has been handed a nightmare draw at Wimbledon.

Nadal will face Japan’s Yuichi Sugita on Tuesday in the first round before a possible meeting with Nick Kyrgios in the second round.

Should Nadal come through that grudge match, he could face Denis Shapovalov in the third round and then Cilic in the fourth round.

The quarter-finals could see Nadal play Austrian Dominic Thiem and eight-time champion Roger Federer in the semi-final.

And if Nadal reaches the final on July 14, world No 1 Novak Djokovic could be waiting for him.

RAFAEL NADAL – PROJECTED WIMBLEDON DRAW

First Round – Yuichi Sugita

Second Round – Nick Kyrgios

Third Round – Denis Shapovalov

Fourth Round – Marin Cilic

Quarter-Final – Dominic Thiem

Semi-Final – Roger Federer

Final – Novak Djokovic



READ NEWS SOURCE

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.