Rafael Nadal has lost only the second singles match of his career representing Spain in team events after suffering a straight sets defeat to David Goffin at the ATP Cup.
The world No.1 appeared at times to be struggling with the hot and humid conditions in Sydney during his 6-4, 7-6(3), loss to his inspired opponent. Goffin, who has lost to the Spaniard in three out of their four previous meetings, produced an array of impressive shots to stun Nadal. Saving eight out of the 10 break points he faced.
Despite the straightforward score, it was a roller coaster encounter between the two European players. Exchanging breaks midway through the opener, Goffin broke once more for a 5-4 lead before serving the set out. However, he faced rougher resistance from the 19-time grand slam champion in the second frame. After racing to a set and 4-2 lead, Nadal found another gear as he rallied back to level 4-4 to revive Spain’s hopes. Still, it wasn’t enough to topple Goffin, who went out to prevail in the tiebreaker. Claiming the match with an ace out wide.
“I knew that Rafa had to take the ball early and some more risks because I was in the court trying to dictate all the time.” Goffin said during his on-court interview.
“I had to stick to my line, continued to move forward and that is what I did.”
Ending the last year by failing to win back-to-back matches at three consecutive tournaments, the Belgian world No.11 said his surge in form was partly down to his clash against Grigor Dimitrov earlier this week. On Tuesday, he came back from a set down to edge out the Bulgarian by winning 12 out of the last 16 games played. Winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.
“Probably from my other match against Grigor the confidence came back and I was ready for the fight from the first point until the end.” He explained.
“It was not easy (against Nadal) because I was a set and a break up. To hold my nerves until the end wasn’t easy, but I played a good tiebreak.’
“I’m so Happy (to win) for Belgium.”
It is a rare occurrence for Nadal to lose a singles match representing Spain in a team event. The last time he did so was at the age of 17 when he played Jiri Novak in his Davis Cup debut back in 2004. Prior to today, he had a 29-1 win-loss record in the Davis Cup and 3-0 record in the ATP Cup (singles only).
Goffin’s win means that a doubles match will decide which country goes through to the semi-finals of the ATP Cup. Earlier in the day, Spain won the opening match of the tie after Roberto Bautista Agut downed Kimmer Coppejans 6-1, 6-4.
The winners will play home favourites Australia.
