Rafael Nadal suffers shocking loss in first match as father

| by Kadir Macar

Rafael Nadal played his first match as a father at the 2022 Paris Masters and the match didn't go according to his plans as the Spaniard lost in three sets.

His second-round opponent was Tommy Paul from the United States that the Spaniard defeated earlier this year in Acapulco on his way to the title in Mexico. However, at the 2022 Paris Masters, that the 22-time Grand Slam champion never won, the situation was much different.

Rafael Nadal reveals he won't defend his title in Acapulco next year
Rafael Nadal reveals he won't defend his title in Acapulco next year

Already before the event started, Nadal stated that he's not fighting for no. 1 spot anymore, but he had his eyes still set on the top prize. Despite being broken first, the Spaniard showed his qualities in the first set by breaking his opponent two times and winning it 6-3.

However, in the second set, Nadal couldn't use his one break advantage and after Paul forced a tie-break, the American levelled score of the match.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion wanted to fight in the third set, but he couldn't beat his opponent who hit only four unforced errors in the decider and ultimately won 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1.

"It's probably my best win," Paul said post-match. "I was obviously pumped for the matchup because it's always interesting when you play one of the Big Three. I've only played him the second time, but the first time I was so nervous. It was weird, this time I wasn't really nervous. I was pretty relaxed going onto the court and the day before. I think that played a role. I came out playing pretty well. He got the first set, but I feel like I played pretty well from the jump."

"I dont' fight to be number one anymore" - Nadal ahead of Paris Masters
"I dont' fight to be number one anymore" - Nadal ahead of Paris Masters

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