Rafa Nadal Loses Both Singles and Doubles Finals as Comeback Ends in Disappointment

Feb 10, 2013 11:47 PM EST

Rafael Nadal did not have the greatest of days as the Spaniard lost both the singles and doubles finals of the VTR Open in Chile on his comeback from injury.

Nadal looked good all tournament in both formats, showing his strength and guile on the red clay to book himself a place in the final.

However, the former world number one was shocked by Horacio Zeballos of Argentina 6-7 (2), 7-6 (6), 6-4 in the singles final, before crashing in straight sets with partner Juan Monaco in the doubles against Italian pair Paolo Lorenzi and Potito Starace.

Had Nadal won the singles final, it would have been the French Open king's 37th title on clay, but Zeballos denied the favorite with an assured performance for his first ever title.

"This is the game of my life," Zeballos said. "Playing against the best player of all time, or one of the best in the history of tennis. It's a dream, unforgettable. I will never forget this moment.

"It's a dream for me. To be able to play a final against Nadal was already good enough for me. It's a moment that will stay in my memory for the rest of my life.

"I've worked really hard because I really wanted to be at this level. For some months, I've been playing at a high level and I think I'm at the best moment of my career. I'm very strong physically and psychologically."

Nadal will not be too concerned about the loss though, as he looks to get back to his best following seven months out through a knee injury.

"It was a great tournament for me," Nadal said. "If we take everything, it was positive. It's true I wanted to win the final but in wasn't possible. He made things better than me and I didn't play my best match.

"I just need to keep working, practising with hope, motivation and the right attitude to have better sensations every week. I hope it's the beginning of a lot of good things for me."

Nadal will next play another clay tournament in Brazil, before finishing his Latin American swing by taking part in a meeting in Mexico.

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