"I was terrified at the idea of losing 6-0, 6-0," Johnson recounts about his match against Nadal
Facing Rafael Nadal, Steve Johnson had only one thing in mind: avoid humiliation. The American looks back on that 2015 match in Madrid, between fear of a double 6-0 and relief at having won... just a single game.
© AFP
Steve Johnson only faced Rafael Nadal once in his career. That match took place at the 2015 Madrid Masters 1000.
In comments reported by Tennis World USA, the American recounted his fears before the encounter: "I was terrified at the idea of losing by a double 6-0 and leaving the court humiliated. My only goal that day was to avoid disaster. Fortunately, I won the first game, which reassured me.
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Because if you're down 4-0 or 5-0 and you lose the first set 6-0, panic starts to set in. I was very worried, unlike him. My slice didn't really bother him that day."
Nadal won that day with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
Dernière modification le 16/12/2025 à 10h26
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