The 6-2 score in the 2nd set masks something:
He gave up. He did not have mental resolve and mental capital to fight him.
This is not looking good.
Next year may be his last on the tour.
All these players are playing into their late 30s and even 40s today.
Rafa was the greatest physical specimen of them all.
He could easily play until he is 35 and take a shot at a couple more slams if not 3 or 4.
Right now it looks like he just doesn't want to outwork them.
It is his life and his career. he is very sharp. He knew this was going happen.
I disagree with those who say it is a stunning collapse.
This was in the making for the last 4 years. He stopped paying attention to his domination on clay and he stopped working hard on his fitness.
Of course he was young also so some of his fitness was a function of his youth.
He could just run all day.
I think the window is finally closed for 2015 anyway.
Let us see what happens in the off season.
He will come back stronger if he decides to work like hell.
Or he will sail into the sunset at the end of 2016.
The fall is very steep. It will require an immense amount of work to get out of this.