JAKARTA Rafael Nadal lost for the first time in his career before the quarter-finals at the Paris Masters tournament after he was beaten by Tommy Paul in the second round, Thursday, November 3.
The Spaniard was confirmed to have to go home early after he gave up with a score of 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1. These results delayed Nadal's efforts to reclaim his position in world number one.
"This may be my best win, I'm obviously excited for this game because it's always interesting when you play one of the top three," Paul said after the game, reported by Eurosport.
Nadal actually played well from the start and forced his opponent to be left behind by a set and a break. However, Paul, who is currently ranked 31st in the world, can rise up with a good game in the face of that situation.
He successfully broke Nadal's serve with an aggressive style of play to force the position to 2-2 in the second set before equalizing through a tie-break.
Nadal then gave Paul the advantage with careless game service in the deciding set. The 25-year-old tennis player then managed to lead 3-1 and continued to hold Nadal's points to win the game.
"I've only fought [Nadal] for the second time, but the first time I was very nervous. It's weird, this time I'm not too nervous. I'm quite relaxed going to the field. I think it helps," Paul said.
Paul previously met Nadal in the quarter-finals of Acapulco last August. At that time he returned home early after losing two sets to the Spaniard.
This defeat in Paris made Nadal's attempt to win his first title from the Paris Masters again failed. The only chance he won was last 2007 when he made it to the final, but at that time he was defeated by David Nalbandian.
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