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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jack Rathborn

Rafael Nadal explains Lorenzo Sonego disagreement after fiery Wimbledon match

EPA

Rafael Nadal admits he was “wrong” and has apologised to Lorenzo Sonego after tempers flared in their third-round match at Wimbledon.

The Spaniard, who prevailed on Centre Court 6-1, 6-2, 7-6, took issue with the Italian at 4-4 in the third set, meeting at the net to voice his anger.

Nadal, who refuted claims of a “spicy” nature to the match, appeared to be irritated as Sonego grunted during points, while the 27th seed whipped up a feverish crowd after a late rally in the third set.

Nadal initiated a lengthy debate both at 4-4 in the third and then again after winning the match, but the 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted his mistake and revealed the pair thrashed out their disagreement in the lockerroom afterwards.

“Well, first of all, I have to say that I was wrong,” Nadal said. “Probably I will not -- I should not call him on the net. So apologize for that. My mistake in that. No problem. I recognize that.

(PA)

“Then after that, all the stuff during the match that I don’t want to comment, because is something that I spoke with him in the locker room and it stays there. Only thing I can say is I saw him personally. I apologize for that.

“My intention was never to bother him at all. Just to tell one thing that was bothering me that I think he was doing in that moment, but that’s it.

“I think there is some codes between players. Yeah, we had some issues there. But that’s it.”

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