Rafael Nadal went down in frustration as the second seed lost his first match of the season on clay, with Spanish compatriot Fernando Verdasco triumphing 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 yesterday in the third round of the Madrid Masters.
“I never was in control of the match, I didn’t know how to win a point,” said Nadal, who intimated he will not show up next year unless the controversial blue clay surface he abhors is modified.u00a0
Rafael Nadal
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Nadal’s perfect record on the dirt for 2012 was marred as Madrid native Verdasco clawed out the opening set to stun multiple Monte Carlo and Barcelona champion Nadal, who, though he dug out the second set, succumbed in the decider. “Movement is very important for me and I couldn’t move.
I couldn’t hit ball the way I wanted. I lost because I deserved to lose.”
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