Facing Rafael Nadal, Steve Johnson admits: "There was a lot of fear in my eyes"

"I was afraid of getting a 6-0, 6-0": Steve Johnson looks back with honesty and humor on his only duel against Rafael Nadal, a memory as intimidating as it is unforgettable.

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Jules Hypolite

le 21/12/2025 à 18h56

1 min to read

Johnson Steve Nadal Rafael

In the latest episode of the podcast Nothing Major, Steve Johnson recalled his only duel against one of the circuit's legends, Rafael Nadal.

It was in 2015 in the second round of the Madrid Masters 1000, with the American logically losing with a score of 6-4, 6-3.

"I was afraid of getting a 6-0, 6-0"

"You know exactly what he's going to do and you prepare for it, but he always finds a way to put you in difficulty on the court. He's the best competitor in the history of sports.

I was really afraid of losing 6-0, 6-0, in front of the crowd and having everyone laugh at me. Luckily, I won the first game, which allowed me to relax. Because if you start off being down 4-0 or 5-0...

There was a lot of fear in my eyes and very little in his. That said, it would have been hilarious to lose 6-0, 6-0 and remember it ten years later."