Rafael Nadal gave up a two-sets-to-none lead at a grand slam event for the first time in his career Friday night in losing to Fabio Fognini 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 at the U.S. Open.
Nadal, a 14-time major champion, was 148-0 when winning the first two sets at majors.
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The win was Fognini's first against a top 10-ranked player on a hardcourt surface. He also reached the fourth round in New York for the first time.
The loss means Nadal will finish the year without a major title for the first time since 2004.
He gave up an early break Friday before consolidating his next one to take a 4-1 first-set lead. Nadal appeared to be cruising when he broke for 2-1 in the third set, only for Fognini to level in the sixth game.
Fognini had a set point in the 10th game, but he sent a forehand into the net. He took his second chance when Nadal sent a forehand wide.
Fognini gave up a 40-0 lead in the next game before hitting a forehand and a backhand halfway up the net and seeing his break advantage disappear once more after a marathon game.
Showing incredible power, Fognini broke again to lead 5-4 and serve for the match. This time he made no mistake; Nadal sent a backhand well wide on match point.