Rafael Nadal didn’t have any reason to hang his head after losing to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2012 Australian Open. The Spaniard’s comments in his post-match interview reflected that, too, as he looked back on a match that may have been tougher than the toughest match he’s ever been involved in.
Australian Open 2012: Rafael Nadal Reflects On Losing ‘Toughest Match’
“No, I’m tired, sure,” Nadal said according to the tournament website’s transcription of the post-match interview. “Physically it was the toughest match I ever played, if not tougher. I am tired.”
It wasn’t how Nadal wanted to go out as he lost 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, but he found the positives in defeat.
“I wanted to win, but I am happy about how I did. I had my chances against the best player of the world today. I played one against one. For a long time I didn’t felt that I was playing in less advantage than him, you know,” Nadal said. “I didn’t play at lower level than him for a long time, so that’s a very positive thing for me. I am very happy about my mentality tonight, the mentality worked like in my best moments.”
If nothing else, Nadal saw his performance in the Aussie Open as a solid start to the year.
“So very happy about the beginning of the 2012 season,” Nadal said. “That’s all that I can say.”
For more on the tournament, visit SB Nation’s tennis hub.
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