he really should have skipped the china open. he wasted too much time trying to get rid of fognini.
and there really was no need to hand nole a win. I saw the first set.
nadal was simply terrible and nole could not miss. and hence you have a straight set win by nole.
nadal could have used this time more wisely like getting some much needed rest and recuperation.
and putting in work on the backhand and the return during his training sessions.
he lost because of this:
1. his backhand and his return were terrible
2. he was stale which led to his movement being weak
and of course nole is playing well again so that is a huge factor.