11th February, 2013
Rafael Nadal suffered a shock 6-7 (2) 7-6 (6) 6-4 loss to Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos in Sunday’s final of the VTR Open, the Spaniard’s comeback tournament after seven months out with a torn tendon in his left knee.
Nadal was an overwhelming favourite, shooting for this 37th singles title on clay. Zeballos won his first singles title on any surface and looked every bit the equal of the seven-time French Open champion.
It was only the fifth singles final Nadal has lost on clay to go with 36 victories. Zeballos matched Nadal shot-for-shot with no service breaks until the third set, dropping to his back on the red clay surface after winning.
“This is the game of my life,” Zeballos said. “Playing against the best player of all-time, or one of the best in the history of tennis. It’s a dream, unforgettable. I will never forget this moment.”