14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has said that he is determined enough to work hard on his game and will soon overcome his ongoing struggling phase, after incurring a shock third round defeat to his Italian opponent Fabio Fognini at Barcelona Open.
The Spaniard, who has won the Barcelona Open eight times, suffered a straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) defeat to Fognini.
Describing his performance as 'poor', Nadal said that he didn't play like he should have, adding that the defeat was a blow for him, but insisted that he accepts the challenge and the negative day he had, the BBC reported.
Nadal added that he would keep working as he was convinced that the situation of ups and downs he had since returning from injuries would come to an end sooner or later.
Nadal, the world number five, will now take his preparations for the French Open on to the Madrid Open in two weeks' time.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
