Fernando lost today to compatriot Nicolas Almagro 1-6, 6-4, 1-6, 4-6. Fernando in his post-match presser, said that he “played a pretty bad match. “I think he (Almagro) is playing at a high level, so that’s difference in those two sets. I think I won the second set almost by luck. I could not believe how that I could win a set playing so badly.”

Fernando also praised Almagro and said that he had the potential to create an upset if he played his very best game. “What happens is that Rafa, mentally, physically, from experience, is superior to him. But you can shock Rafa enough to damage him, if you play well.”

Despite Fernando’s loss, he managed to defend his points from last year by reaching the fourth round again. He will be able to have some time to rest this week before he heads to England for grass season, where he’ll be playing Queens to prepare for Wimbledon.