Nadal Upset in Shanghai Round of 16 by Mayer

By Abigail Hinto

SHANGHAI, China -Â Visibly disappointed and calling his return of serve “terrible,” World No. 2 Rafael Nadal of Spain fell to Germany’s Florian Mayer at the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Thursday 7-6(5), 6-3.

Nadal told the media that he felt he was playing well, had a good “line” with his practice and playing since the US Open, and now it was “broken”. Â Acknowledging Mayer’s good play,Â Nadal was very disappointed with his return of serve especially off the first serve. Â Winning only four points off of Mayer’s first serve, was “terrible.”

Mayer on his inspired play and ultimate victory,” it’s a really nice feeling. He’s such a great competitor on court. Yeah, for sure it is the biggest win in my career. Yeah, it feels really nice. I cannot actually believe it right now.

But, yeah, the tournament goes on tomorrow so I have to stay focused for the rest of the week.

“I’m serving very well. Mix it up with serve and volley.

“But the main thing is like five or six years ago I had some other problems after Wimbledon quarterfinals. The life at 21 years, it was so public, was tough for me. But now I’m ready for everything and I’m really enjoying it.”

Mayer gave credit to his improved results to his improved fitness â€œI just am maybe a little bit fitter mentally and physically. Maybe that’s 2% or 3% more. Yeah, it gives you a lot more on court.