adminRafael Nadal said his shock first-round defeat by Steve Darcis at Wimbledon was “not a tragedy” and refused to blame his exit on his persistent knee injury. While Darcis, the world number 135, played some inspired tennis, Spain’s two-time champion was clearly hampered. “It’s tough losing in the first round but life continues,” said Nadal.
“All I want to do is congratulate Steve Darcis, he played a fantastic match. Talking about my knee is an excuse and I don’t want to use excuses.”
Fifth seed Nadal’s loss comes just two weeks after he won a record eighth French Open. It is the first time Nadal has lost in the first round of the 35 grand slam tournaments he has entered.
Nadal’s exit potentially gives Britain’s Andy Murray an easier route to the final as they were in the same side of the draw.
Second seed Murray beat Germany’s Benjamin Becker 6-4 6-3 6-2 on Centre Court.
Murray was Britain’s only winner on a day when six homegrown players were knocked out.
Defeats for wildcard James Ward and teenager Kyle Edmund has left Murray as the sole representative in the men’s draw, while Elena Baltacha, Johanna Konta, Anne Keothavong and Sam Murray also lost.
Reigning champion Roger Federer eased into the next round with a 6-3 6-2 6-0 win over Victor Hanescu.
But his long-term rival Nadal was badly out of sorts as he went down 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 to Belgian Darcis.
Nadal, who was barely able to use his backhand and limping at times. was playing his first competitive grass court match since losing to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon last year.
And he was clearly irritated by repeated suggestions from journalists that his knee was entirely to blame for the reverse.
He also reacted tetchily to suggestions he had focused too much on the clay-court season and not prepared for Wimbledon thoroughly enough.
“On grass it’s difficult to adapt your game when you don’t have the chance to play before and I didn’t find my rhythm,” said Nadal. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter