Rafa was defeated by Novak Djokovic 6-1, 6-4 last night in the semi-final of Cincinnati Masters. Nole came out of the blocks all guns blazing and played a monster of a first set without giving Rafa chance the draw breath. Rafa's serving was poor last night, along with his returns and had the game taken to him so much as that he was in retreat from the word go.
It could have been better if he had managed to keep it level in the second, but Nole was too good. He did, however, look extremely nervous in serving it out during which Rafa could have tried to exert more pressure, but it wasn't to be.
All in all though, Rafa has 7 matches under his belt. He has obvious things to work on such as his serving and shot selection. The forehand is starting to work again and his tennis brain and fitness will follow. He has shown how he struggles when he faces a player from the top 6 and the US Open will probably be a step too far at this stage, but many positives have to be taken in his return to tennis.
Rafa's post match presser:-
http://tennisconnected.com/home/2009/08/23/day-6-cincinnati-rafael-nadal-post-match-interview/
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