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That my friends is the look of disappointment. Rafael Nadal's hopes of a record fifth successive French Open title were crushed into the Roland Garros red dust by Robin Soderling's Swedish sledgehammer on Sunday.
In one of the greatest upsets in the history of the tournament, the Spanish king of clay slumped to a first ever defeat here having racked up 31 wins in 31 outings since his 2005 debut.
Soderling's stunning 6-2, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) fourth round victory came just a month after he'd won only one game in a 6-1, 6-0 rout at the Rome Masters, his third defeat in three matches against the world number one.
Rafael shed a few tears regarding the loss, but overall took the loss in stride.
"This is not a tragedy, losing here in Paris. It had to happen one day," said Nadal, who had not lost a set here since the 2007 final against Roger Federer.
"That's the end of the road, and I have to accept it. I have to accept my defeat as I accepted my victories: with calm."
If you need a hug, Rafael, I'm here for you. Just send me a tweet and I'll be on the next flight to Paris.
Gallery Info: Rafael Nadal reacts to losing at The French Open
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Website: www.gettyimages.com
Michael Gomez says:
Nadal is a very talented and has the will to succeed in tennis.Nadal is my favorite tennis player but every great tennis player has to lose 1nce and i have no doubt that Nadal will win the wimbelden.
Bftdmhnp says:
jDo60K comment3 ,