Rafael Nadal’s tune-up in advance of the U.S. Open up did not go as planned.

Borna Coric, ranked 152nd in the ATP rankings, ousted Nadal 7-6 (9), 4-6, 6-3 at the Western & Southern Open, handing the file-holder of 22 Grand Slam titles a stunning defeat. Nadal had not performed a match because an stomach tear forced him out of the Wimbledon semifinals back again in July.

Coric was coming off a decline in opposition to Marin Cillic in the initially round of the ATP Masters 1000 Canada and a quarterfinal decline against Alex Molcan in the Hamburg European Open up.

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Borna Coric reacts to a position in opposition to Rafael Nadal through the Western & Southern Open up at the Lindner Spouse and children Tennis Center in Cincinnati August 17, 2022. (Susan Mullane-United states Right now Sports)

Nadal did not exhibit indications of any lingering effects of the damage. He reached 121 mph on a serve. He admitted he essential to return serves better prior to the remaining Grand Slam tournament of the 12 months rolls all over.

"Obviously I failed to participate in my best match," he informed reporters in his put up-match push meeting, by way of ATPTour.com. "[It is] one thing that can occur. Historically this event has been hard for me. So coming back from a hard period of time, [it is] anything that's easy to acknowledge and effortless to say congrats to Borna, that he played better."

Rafael Nadal reacts to a level in opposition to Borna Coric all through the Western & Southern Open up at the Lindner Family members Tennis Center in Cincinnati August 17, 2022. (Susan Mullane-United states Nowadays Sports)

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He claimed he essential to apply far more and shift on from the decline.

"You reduce, you shift ahead. I know the way. The principal detail for me is to remain balanced. It has been a difficult injury to regulate, to be genuine. The very last thirty day period and a fifty percent has not been quick, mainly because obtaining a tear on the belly, you do not know when [you are] 100% above the issue, so that impacts a little bit in terms of not [being] sure if you are capable to check out your ideal in each and every provide."

The U.S. Open up begins Aug. 29 and operates by Sept. 11.

Rafael Nadal reacts to a shot through his match from Borna Coric at the Western & Southern Open up at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati August 17, 2022. (Susan Mullane-United states Currently Sporting activities)

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Nadal won the event 4 situations – the previous coming in 2019.