I think the photo encapsulates exactly how I feel, most of us Rafa/Tennis fans feel. I've collected some HQ Photos of the 3rd Round Match you can check it out at the...
SLIDESHOW
Press Conference Photos at my Facebook & some photos of Rafa leaving Madrid.

World Number 2, Rafael Nadal was defeated today on a "questionable clay court" of Mutua Madrid Open today in 3 sets 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win in three hours and 11 minutes. Fernando Verdasco's first victory over Rafa Nadal. Nadal led 5-2 in the deciding set and twice served for the match. Nadal recovered from 0/30 at 5-6 and saved one match point at 30/40 with an ace down the middle, but Verdasco converted his second match point opportunity with a powerful forehand winner.

Quotes:
"I knew I was in control of the match [at 5-2 in the third set]," said Nadal. "I lost because I deserved to lose today, even if I was winning 5-2. When the moment came to close [out] the match I didn't know how to do it. I made a big mistake with a smash at 5-2 and 15/0, but that is just anecdotal. That's what happened, he played better than me and he beat me."

“I lost today because I deserve to lose. I was at 5-2, I arrived at the moment to close the match and I didn’t know how to close it, I didn’t know how to do it. I made a big mistake with my match at 5-2. That’s what happened. He played better than me.”

“It’s the ATP and the tournament they can do what they want. I arrived here Thursday to prepare as best as I can for the tournament. I was not good enough to play and adapt my game to this court. If things continue like this I will be very sad and next year it will be one less tournament on my calendar.”
“I’m not prepared to risk being here with injury. There are two options: They change it or… I’d like to play here but….”
“I don’t know, you can ask them. I think the tournament is great but that’s a bad decision. But they can do what everybody wants. Today is not the day to talk about that, today is the day to talk about Fernando – he played better than me and that’s why I lost, not because of the court. The court is the same for both and that is the real thing.”

You have to know that if you put Cincinnati on grass, what do you think is going to happen? You think people are going to be happy before the US Open? I don’t think so, it is a similar situation.”
“I haven’t been as good at adapting to the circumstances.  I cannot get good control with the legs. Fernando played better than me and we both played on the same court. I can give him my congratulations and wishes for the rest of the tournament. I’m happy for him and sad for me.  I have to accept it and I wasn’t at the level I should be. The surface is the same for all and it’s equal.”
“Well, the one who wins is the one who commits less errors. The one who wins is the one who deserves it the most.”    
 
Articles:

• Uncle Toni: I hope Rafa doesn't play next time
• Toni Nadal: Rafa a normal guy, but manic  
• Madrid's blues more than just clay 

Videos:

• TENNISTV- HOTSHOT 
• TENNISTV- Mutua Madrid Open - ATP Thursday Round-up 
• Nadal Interview (Madrid 3R) Breif Clip

Nadal vs Verdasco R3 Madrid 2012 [PART1] - Special Highlights by RAFApedia


Nadal vs Verdasco R3 Madrid 2012 [PART2] - Special Highlights by RAFApedia


Full Match Rafael Nadal vs Davydenko by TennisbyVadim46

Congratulations to Fernando for his victory. I wish him the best for the tournament. I'm in Mallorca ... Now Rome!

Rest Up Champion you have Rome & French Open ahead of you! Vamos!