There was exactly zero need to vacation in Costa Rica and then waste 10 more days on account of Miami masters.
You just knew this was going to happen.
He had taken clay for granted because of his huge competitive edge on that surface.
now there are at least 20 players that can trouble him on that surface.
Fognini would have won no more than 3 games against fit and properly prepared Rafa.
He just didn't play well and he messed up at crucial times in the match. It was almost as if he was coasting thinking Fognini would lose his nerve. I'm used to Rafa knowing the geometry of the court, but he was way off in that respect also. Getting broken back three times in a set? Unheard of.
Maybe this is the kick in the but that he needs. Who knows?