Rafael Nadal Loses to Fabio Fognini at Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal suffers another loss on the clay court at the Barcelona Open.

Yahoo Sports reported that Nadal lost against Fabio Fognini on Apr. 23, 2015 in the third round 6-4, 7-6 (6).

Nadal said after the match, ''I played poorly, I didn't play like I should have. I didn't play aggressively, I missed more shots that I normally do. I didn't manage to keep the advantage I had. Having three breaks in the second set and end up at 5-5 is a disaster."

He added, ''This is a blow for me, but I accept the challenge and the negative day I had today. There is no other way forward other than to accept it or die.''

Telegraph said that Nadal has remained undefeated in Barcelona for 41 games or since he was 16 years old, before the recent loss. The eight-time champion suffered straight-set defeats against Fognini. Although Nadal loved to play on clay courts, Fognini also has the speed and can make difficult shots.

Nadal dropped the first set. In the second set, the game was tied 5-5. Fognini then led 6-3 during the tie-break but Nadal was able to save three match points to move up 6-6. Nadal, however, missed a forehand, resulting to his defeat.

Nadal committed 30 errors during the match. He only managed 17 winners, while Fognini had more than twice with 35. BBC noted that both players had one ace each. Fognini had a double fault and 35 errors. Nadal had 3/14 break points while Fognini had 4/8.

Nadal admitted that his forehand was supposed to be one of his strengths, but it did not work for him that day.

According to the same report by Yahoo Sports, Nadal already lost twice to Fognini this year. The week before this second loss, Nadal also fell against Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Telegraph stated that Nadal he will drop 45 points after his defeat at the Barcelona Open.

Although he lost at Monte Carlo, Nadal revealed that he was happy with the way he played. Although he missed getting back his title in two tournaments, fans are still optimistic that the Spaniard can recover and defend the French Open title.

Nadal said in the BBC report, "I will keep working. I am convinced that this situation of ups and downs I have had since returning from injuries, sooner or later, will come to an end."

Nadal will be in Madrid for his next tournament in May 2015.