Nadal describes Monte Carlo thrashing as worst in 14 years

Rafael Nadal crashed out to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday with the Spanish star admitting his 6-4, 6-2 loss was his “worst clay court match in 14 years”.

The shock result leaves Italian 13th seed Fognini facing unseeded Serb Dusan Lajovic in Sunday’s unscripted final.

“I played one of my worst matches on clay in 14 years,” said Nadal. “It’s difficult to find any positives — I deserved to lose.”

Fognini, who beat Nadal twice on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set win streak in the principality for the world number two.

“The vision is clear,” added 32-year-old Nadal who was playing his first tournament in a month after opting to rest his troublesome knees.

“I played a very bad match against a good player. In that situation, you have to lose.

“I had a bad feeling, it was a tough day. I’m coming from low moments in terms of injuries, and in terms of the mental side, it has not been easy to accept all the things that have been going on during recent weeks.

“Everything was wrong. I always expect the best. But you have to be ready to accept the negative things and today was a negative day.”

For 31-year-old Fognini, based just over the border in San Remo, it was a fourth career win over Nadal and third on clay.

“I had a really good week, did some good work,” said the Italian.

“I was born near here, I know how to play on clay. This will be the final that no-one expected, I just hope to recover well and be ready.

Fognini, cheered by thousands of compatriots on Centre Court, broke Nadal three times in a 55-minute opening set.

Nadal saved three match points while trailing a set and 5-0 as he broke Fognini in a last-gasp effort.

But the 13th seed would not be denied, earning another pair of chances in the eighth game and claiming victory with a forehand winner down the line.

“I’m calm, I want to enjoy my victory,” Fognini said after reaching his first final at the Masters 1000 level.

“I’ve beaten Rafa on clay, I’m really happy.