Just before Rafael Nadal dropped the second set, after attempting to serve for the match, in his match against Radek Stepanek he slipped running to retrieve a drop shot and landed flat on his backside under the net. In a show of phenomenal sportsmanship once the point was over Radek ran to Nadal’s side of the court and helped him up of his famous toosh.
Ultimately Nadal won 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 as he continues to work on his transition from grass to clay with the goal of defending his Wimbledon championship despite admitting he is tired and tight.
“He made it tough and I’m a bit tired. But the crowd are fantastic and it’s a pleasure to be here.
I am motivated to keep playing well. Wimbledon is there, but I’m focused on Queen’s for now. I will have to play well against Tsonga to win.
(I played) much better than yesterday. I was playing I think a very complete match. But I think at 5-3, 40/15 he played well. I had a few mistakes and that was the turning point of the match at that moment. Beginning of the third, especially the first game was tough, but after that I think I played my best.”
