London: World Number two Rafael Nadal on Saturday following his 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 loss to Danil Medvedev at the ATP Finals admitted that he lost a 'big opportunity."
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The Russian world number four will face Dominic Thiem, conqueror of Novak Djokovic, in Sunday's championship match.
''At the beginning of the match, he was better than me. I was able to save my serves, but then I played well to have the break and then to close the set in the second. A little bit the same story at the beginning. But at the end of the set, I was playing a little bit better than him. And then in the 5-4, I think he played a good game and I didn't. I played a bad game. You know, that's it. But I had a big opportunity. I lost a big opportunity. Well done to him, he's playing great. I wish him all the best'' Nadal said after the match.
Nadal served for a straight-sets victory at the O2 in London, but Medvedev rallied in style to record his first-ever victory over Nadal and end the Spaniard's winning streak of 71 matches.
While Medvedev was contesting the season-ending ATP Finals for a second year, Nadal had qualified for a 16th consecutive year.
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Twice a runner-up - in 2010 and 2013 - Nadal's wait to get his hands on the trophy will continue.
And when asked about Australian Open, Nadal said, ''I don't know what the situation is going to be yet. We need to wait about what the government there in Victoria says. We can't do much from an ATP position, just wait. And we are nobody to say what they feel is better for the country (Australia). So, we just need to be patient and accept the situation that we are facing, that is difficult for everyone. So we need to be flexible, to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible.''
