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In front winner Taylor Fritz, behind him beaten Rafael Nadal
Photo:
JOHN G. MABANGLO v EPO
Rafael Nadal conceded his first loss of the year, losing the final at the Masters in Indian Wells to Taylor Fritz.
The 35-year-old Spaniard lost 3: 6, 6: 7 (5: 7) against the American and ended his streak of 20 wins.
The title in the $8.6 million hard court tournament is the first for 24-year-old Fritz on the ATP tour.
He is also the first American since Andre Agassi in 2001 to win the Masters at Indian Wells.
“I have to hold back my tears for all subsequent interviews.
It's one of those childhood dreams, winning this tournament here in Indian Wells, that you don't even think could come true,” said Fritz.
"I can't even begin to say how incredible it is that I was able to play how I could play today, my pain was so great," he said of problems with his ankle that had arisen before the game.
"I've never felt so much pain before a match in my life."
Nadal was also in poor health, and the Spaniard had several treatments during the game.
"I wanted to do it perfectly in front of sand," Nadal said.
"I'm sad because I wasn't able to fight properly.
Those feelings are hard, every day, but especially in a final it's very, very ugly."
Nadal's had previously won the Australian Open for his 21st major title - a record in men's tennis.
He had also won the ATP tournaments in Melbourne and Acapulco this year.
jan/dpa