Advertisement

Rafa Nadal Loses Again On Clay, What The Hell Is Happening?

Quality Sport Images. Getty Images.

No it's not a grand slam, but Rafa Nadal losing any match on clay is big news. He was practically born on this surface. It wouldn't shock me if one of his homes was entirely clay flooring. Well, The King of Clay is starting to see his castle begin to crumble. I mean it's only logical this is starting to happen since Nadal has reigned supreme on this surface for over 15 years now. You think of an athlete being dominant at one specific thing for me it's Mariano Rivera closing baseball games, Phelps in water, and Nadal on clay. Lance Armstrong was on that list until the whole doping thing happened. 

Crazy part here is that Zverev has now beaten Nadal three straight times, with this being the first on clay. Sascha was good in this one, but Nadal was all out of sorts in a way you never see him. Listen, he's 34 years old and father time has to arrive eventually. His response after the match was great. 

 At some point this has to end. Now he did win Barcelona for the 12th time earlier this year, but did suffer defeat at Monte Carlo. Both of those tournaments are played in clay in case it wasn't clear.  

Rome is next week and then it's French Open time. Rafa is a career 100-2 at Rolland Garros, having lifted the trophy 13 times. It's laugh out hilarious how dominant he is there. Will it be number 14 this year or will someone like Djokovic, Thiem, or Zverev spoil the party? Maybe Roger?!? Ok probably not, but it'll be good to see him out there at least. Let me just have that. Number 14 would be special because it would win claiming the sole lead for all time grand slams. As long as it's not Djokovic I'm okay with it. I have no issue with Rafa ending up with the record, just don't let it be Novak for the love of god. Federer still the GOAT idc.