PHOTOS/VIDEO: 2022 Indian Wells Masters FINAL Rafael Nadal vs. Taylor Fritz

2022 Indian Wells Masters FINAL Rafael Nadal vs. Taylor Fritz  3-6 6-7(5) 

Rafael Nadal: “I had pain, honestly. I had problems breathing. I don't know if it's something on the rib, I don't know yet. When I'm breathing, when I'm moving it's like a needle all the time inside here. I get dizzy a little bit because it's painful. It's a kind of pain that limits me a lot. It’s not only about pain, I don't feel very well because [it] affects my breathing." 

“[It is] more than [being] sad for the loss, [that is] something that I accepted immediately, and even before the match ended. It's more about that I am suffering a little bit, honestly.”

“I tried my best. Of course, [it has] not been my day. But that happens. I have experience in all these situations. So in the moment, of course, it’s tough to play a final like this. I tried ’til the end. That's it. Even [though] I had my chances in the second set, I didn't convert too many chances. That's it. I think it's a difficult match to analyse personally from my side because I was not able to do many things.”

“Victories like today help. He played well. He went through some great matches during this week I think, especially yesterday. A lot of credit to him on the victory of yesterday. In my opinion, his victory of yesterday is much bigger than his victory of today because he had [a] much tougher opponent in front yesterday. He already played great matches in Australia, this year if I'm not wrong, against Tsitsipas.

“It's obvious that he is improving. With this victory, it's a great start of the season for him. He will have chance to be very close if not in the Top 10 very soon.”

“Honestly, I wanted to make it perfect before clay. [It] has been very, very, very beautiful. Honestly I am sad because the way I was not able to compete. It’s tough to have these feelings... But in the final it’s very, very ugly. But in sport it’s not about talking of the past. We need to talk about today. And today is a difficult day for me.”

“I am not [the] kind of person that goes down or goes very high emotionally depending on the moment. I am normally stable, putting everything in perspective. Of course, the past two months have have been amazing, unforgettable, very emotional. I enjoyed things that I never thought I could live again a few months ago.

“Now is the moment to try to solve this problem as soon as possible, try to start on clay. Practising starts another part of the season that I enjoy to play. Of course, every single event is so special for me. I hope to be ready for it.”

Photos: Getty Images; REX; PanoramiC