'In pain' Rafael Nadal loses Paribas Open final to Taylor Fritz

Rafael Nadal serves to (left) Taylor Fritz at Indian Wells. Pics/AFP

Spanish tennis stalwart Rafael Nadal conceded on Monday that was mesmerised by Taylor Fritz's game in the BNP Paribas Open final, adding that he was having "something on the rib" and "problems breathing", which limited his game.

American Fritz claimed the biggest paycheque of his career, winning his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating Nadal 6-3, 7-6(5).

It was 21-time Grand Slam-winner Nadal's first defeat of the 2022 season, while it was the biggest career win for the 24-year-old American, who lifted his second ATP Tour trophy.

"I had pain, honestly. I had problems breathing. I don't know if it's something on the rib, I don't know yet. When I'm breathing, when I'm moving it's like a needle all the time inside here. I get dizzy because it's painful," Nadal said.

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