Tired Nadal cramps up after beating Nalbandian

Rafael Nadal returns a shot to David Nalbandian during the U.S. Open in New York on Sunday. [AP/YONHAP]

NEW YORK - Rafa Nadal sent a scare through the U.S. Open on Sunday when he collapsed during his post-match news conference because of severe cramping in his leg, capping a dramatic first week at the last grand slam of the year.

The defending champion was speaking to reporters after his third-round win over David Nalbandian when he suddenly stopped talking, then covered his face with his hands and slumped to the floor.

Journalists were ordered to leave the room and the lights were turned down as medical staff were called to treat the Spaniard, who slid from his chair onto the floor.

He was obscured by a desk but closed circuit television showed a trainer massaging his right leg while another man gave Nadal ice and fluids. Nadal remained on the carpet for about 10 minutes before he was eventually helped to his feet.

“I just have cramping in my leg. That’s all,” he said. “I just have cramping in front and behind. That’s why. It was so painful. That’s all.”

Nadal had just beaten Nalbandian 7-6 6-1 7-5 on a baking hot day at Flushing Meadows to book his place in the fourth round and was not the only player struggling with the heat.

Italy’s Flavia Pennetta was so overcome by the humidity that she began dry retching when she was serving for the match in the second set against China’s Peng Shuai. She later won 6-4 7-6.

“I was feeling really bad,” said Pennetta, who meets unseeded German Angelique Kerber in the quarterfinals. “My body just need to breathe.”

Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, also wilted in the steamy conditions, losing 4-6 7-6 6-2 7-6 to Frenchman Gilles Simon on a bad day for the Argentines.

Andy Roddick, the 2003 champion, sailed through with a 6-1 6-4 7-6 victory over Julien Benneteau of France, ensuring the U.S. will have four men in the last 16, including Mardy Fish.

Reuters

한글 관련 기사 [중앙일보]

물집 터지고 쥐 나고 … 나달, 험난한 16강행

US오픈 테니스

라파엘 나달(스페인·세계랭킹 2위)이 US오픈 테니스대회 남자 단식 16강에 합류했다.

　나달은 5일(한국시간) 미국 뉴욕 플러싱메도의 빌리진 킹 내셔널 테니스센터에서 열린 대회 남자 단식 3회전에서 다비드 날반디안(아르헨티나·76위)을 3-0(7-6<5>, 6-1, 7-5)으로 꺾었다. 나달은 2시간39분 만에 승리를 결정지었다. 그의 16강전 상대는 질 뮬러(룩셈부르크·68위)다.

　나달로선 쉽지 않은 경기였다. 첫 세트를 타이브레이크 끝에 가까스로 따냈고, 오른발에 물집이 잡혀 경기 도중 메디컬 타임을 요청했다. 나달은 경기 후 공식 인터뷰에서는 다리에 쥐가 나는 바람에 갑자기 인터뷰를 중단하기도 했다. 그는 트레이너에게 10분여 동안 마사지를 받고 난 뒤에야 인터뷰를 다시 이어갔다. 나달은 “갑자기 다리에 쥐가 났다. 경련이 생겨 고통스러웠지만 괜찮다”고 했다.

　한편 서맨사 스토서(호주·10위)는 여자 단식 16강전에서 마리야 키릴렌코(러시아·29위)를 2-1(6-2, 6-7<15>, 6-3)로 꺾고 8강에 합류했다. 스토서는 2세트 타이브레이크에서 다섯 차례나 매치포인트를 잡고도 15-17로 져서 메이저 대회 여자 단식 사상 가장 긴 타이브레이크 기록을 세웠다. 2세트에만 1시간24분이 걸렸다. 종전 기록은 1999년 프랑스오픈 1회전 1세트에서 나탈리 드시와 스테파니 포르테스(이상 프랑스)가 기록했던 16-14였다.