When Rafael Nadal let go “not beautiful” at Masters Shanghai 2013 – the secret behind the indignation of the king of the earthen ground floating on Qizhong!
In October 2013, at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena Stadium – where the prestigious Shanghai Masters took place, thousands of viewers witnessed a very different Rafael Nadal. No longer a calm, standard and sporty “crew king”, Nadal that day exploded a rare wrath – even let go of “not beautiful” words that made the whole tennis stunned.
What has made one of the most exemplary players from the village of balls, who is always praised for humility and polite manner, losing control so much?
Unprecedented Moment Moments
The quarterfinal match between Rafael Nadal and Juan Martín Del Potro took place in an extremely tense atmosphere. Nadal was at the top of the peak, just won the US Open championship and returned to the No. 1 world after more than two years of being occupied by Djokovic. But in Shanghai, everything did not go smoothly.
Del Potro – With a heavy Forehand like a hammer and a violent head -to -covering style – made Nadal wobble right from the first games. When referee Carlos Bernardes made a few controversial decisions, Nadal began to be impatient. A ball is thought to be clear, but it was out of the Spanish player who turned on his native language – “¡Joder!” – And throw the racquet into the yard.
That moment was recorded by the TV camera. The entire Qizhong pitch was silent. Fans are not used to seeing Nadal in that form – the blushing face, angry eyes, tight lips.
Inside anger: pressure and perfect obsession
According to close people, the cause is not only in the wrong decision of the referee. Nadal was then under terrible pressure from holding the world’s No. 1 position after returning after knee injury. Every shot, every mistake, carrying the fear of being lagged behind in the race with Djokovic and Federer.
Spanish sports expert José Luis Clerc, once said:
“Nadal always fights not only for the opponent but also for himself. He sets the standard too high, so much that it only needs a small detail to make him explode.”
The anger in Shanghai is not merely angry because of a ball. It was the peak of pressure, fatigue and expectations that Nadal had to carry on the shoulder throughout the season.
Reaction of communication and fans
The incident immediately became a hot topic on social networks and large sports newspapers. ESPN runs the headline: “Nadal’s Human Side – The Champion Who Finally Lost His Calm.” (Roughly translated: “The face of the champion – when Nadal finally lost his temper”).
Some criticized, saying that Nadal did not hold a professional image. However, most fans expressed sympathy. They saw that he was not only a legendary player, but also a flesh -and -bone of flesh – tired, hurt, angry.
After the match, Nadal publicly apologized:
“I’m sorry for the inappropriate reaction. I am the one who tries to control my emotions, but today I can’t do it. I am disappointed with myself than anyone.”
Simple but sincere apology quickly soothed public opinion.
From anger to adult
The failure in Shanghai that year became an important milestone. Nadal acknowledged that the moment of “loss of control” made him look back on how to face the pressure and emotions on the field.
Since Masters 2013, Nadal has almost no longer have the same harsh reactions. He returned to the image of a “quiet warrior” – steadfast, persistent and calm than ever.
Conclusion: When the legend is also human
The incident in Shanghai 2013 could be just a small scratch in the great career of Rafael Nadal, but it made fans better understand the true person behind the titles. Under the coat of a champion, the heart is always beating because of passion, belief and even everyday emotions.
And perhaps, the moment that “let go of bad words” makes Nadal’s image become closer and more honest – a “crew” not only knows his victory, but also dares to face his own anger and mistake.
