Croatian Borna Coric admitted that his victory against world number 3 Rafael Nadal is kind of crazy after winning two sets in three to send the 22 Grand Slams holder out in the second round.
Coric was overwhelmed with the victory having recently returned to action from a two years break.
According to the excited Croatian who acknowledged the victory over the French Open champion as special, he had anticipated engaging in such a contest.
“It has been very, very special,” admitted Coric after the win.
“I was out for the last two years and I didn’t play on the big stage in front of the crowd and everybody.
“I was honestly just looking forward to playing this match as I haven’t had that in the last two years. Now that I won, it’s kind of crazy,” the Croatian added.
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Meanwhile, Nadal earned his first defeat on return to action since quitting the 2022 Wimbledon during the semi-final clash with Nick Kyrgios over an abdominal pain.
The Australian Open and French Open champion who would have met Djokovic in the SW19 final had he won Kyrgios, fell to a 6-7 (9-11), 6-4, 3-6 defeat at Western and Southern Open.
On Wednesday during a press conference, world no 3 said it would be difficult to find the rhythm after being absent for quite some time.
“At the beginning, it will be difficult, but it’s normal, you have to accept the difficulties,” Nadal said.
“At this level, if you come back after a long time and an injury, it’s not always easy to find your rhythm again.
“The level is very high and I hope to be ready for Wednesday”, he explained as always with great lucidity,” he added.
Resultantly, the Spaniard, following his loss to the Croatian, lost an opportunity to go top on the ATP ranking but would be handed another in the US Open.
However, Coric will now take on Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 16 following his victory over American Marcos Giron.
