Nadal Collapses at Press Conference After US Open Advance

Posted September 5th, 2011 at 2:41 am (UTC-5)
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Defending U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal had a frightening moment at his post-match press conference Sunday, collapsing in pain after defeating Argentina's David Nalbandian in straight sets.

While talking to journalists, Nadal leaned back in his chair and covered his eyes as he winced in pain, and then lowered himself to the floor. He stayed there for about 10 minutes as trainers used ice to treat what Nadal said were leg cramps.

The tournament's second seed said it was “bad luck” that the episode happened in front of the media instead of in the locker room, and said he will be fine as play moves on to the round of 16.

The men's fourth round begins Monday with top-seeded Novak Djokovic of Serbia, third seed Roger Federer of Switzerland and number-four Andy Murray of Britain all in action.

Spaniard David Ferrer, the fifth seed, advanced Sunday to set up a fourth-round matchup with American Andy Roddick.

On the women's side, second seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia won Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals, where she will face Austria's Samantha Stosur.

Italy's Flavia Pennetta defeated 13 seed Shuai Peng of China in straight sets to set up a quarterfinal matchup with Angelique Kerber of Germany.

Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark will try to secure her spot in the final eight Monday when she takes on Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova, while American Serena Williams squares off with Serbian Ana Ivanovic.