Nadal's loss rocks Wimbledon, reignites questions about his future

Here it was, barely tea time on the first day of play, and the entire event was concussed by this result. Nadal's controversial No. 5 seeding? His
Nadal's loss rocks Wimbledon, reignites questions about his future
Nadal's loss rocks Wimbledon, reignites questions about his future /

This marks the second year in a row that Rafael Nadal has lost in the early rounds of Wimbledon.
This marks the second year in a row that Rafael Nadal has lost in the early rounds of Wimbledon :: ANDY RAIN/EPA

Here it was, barely tea time on the first day of play, and the entire event was concussed by this result. Nadal's controversial No. 5 seeding? His much-anticipated quarterfinal match against Roger Federer? Nadal's likelihood of building on the French Open title he won with his typically violent and relentless tennis just 15 days ago? His assault on the No.1 ranking, having reached the final of all nine events he's entered since his February return? All moot points now.

Steve Darcis had won two ATP-level matches this year before upsetting Rafael Nadal.
Steve Darcis had won two ATP-level matches this year before upsetting Rafael Nadal :: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

• Ken Wells of Sigonella, Italy, has long-lost siblings: Milos Raonic and Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask.


Published
Jon Wertheim
JON WERTHEIM

Jon Wertheim is a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and has been part of the full-time SI writing staff since 1997, largely focusing on the tennis beat , sports business and social issues, and enterprise journalism. In addition to his work at SI, he is a correspondent for "60 Minutes" and a commentator for The Tennis Channel. He has authored 11 books and has been honored with two Emmys, numerous writing and investigative journalism awards, and the Eugene Scott Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Wertheim is a longtime member of the New York Bar Association (retired), the International Tennis Writers Association and the Writers Guild of America. He has a bachelor's in history from Yale University and received a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He resides in New York City with his wife, who is a divorce mediator and adjunct law professor. They have two children.