For all of Rafael Nadal’s success on the ATP Tour, he never managed to capture the Shanghai Masters crown.
In fact, Nadal is the only male player to have lost multiple Shanghai Masters finals: in 2009 and 2017.
In 2009, Nadal lost in straight sets to Russian star Nikolay Davydenko. Eight years later, Nadal’s great rival, Roger Federer, also defeated the Spaniard in straight sets.
After 2017, Nadal never made it back to the final; the tournament has since been won by Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Hubert Hurkacz and Jannik Sinner.
Around 12 years ago, Nadal contested a third-round match against Argentina’s Carlos Berlocq in Shanghai, following victory against Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.
And, following his post-match press conference, it was fair to surmise that the Spaniard was not particularly comfortable with one particular factor present during his contest against the Argentinian.
Rafael Nadal said the humidity in Shanghai was ‘not nice’
The subject of humidity in Shanghai has been discussed heavily during the 2025 Shanghai Open, with Alex de Minaur admitting he found it ‘difficult to breathe’ during one of his matches.
During the opening rounds of the tournament, the temperature has sat at around 30 degrees Celsius, with a humidity percentage of around 80 per cent.
Back in 2013, Nadal also commented on the adverse conditions in Shanghai after defeating Carlos Berlocq 6-1, 7-6.
One reporter said to Nadal: “A very entertaining match, particularly the second set. When those sorts of points are going on, are you aware and can you enjoy those sorts of matches or do you not realize it until afterwards?”
Nadal replied: “Yes, but the situation today with the humidity was not nice. When you play these crazy points with the good conditions it’s fine because you feel fine for the next point.
“With the conditions of today, not comfortable to play with this situation. Too much humid, sweating too much.
“Berlocq is a great example of player who never gives up, a player who always improved all during his career.
“Good guy, good fighter. Very good example for the rest of the players. Very good example for the kids, I think.”
The reporter then asked a follow-up question: “You were mentioning the humidity. How many shirts do you walk on court with?”
Nadal noted the particularly humid weather conditions in his response, saying: “Seven today. I used five.
“Maybe tomorrow I will be with nine. Yeah, is too much. Feels like every two games I can change the T‑shirt. Crazy humidity.”
Nadal lost to Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals
After defeating Berlocq, Nadal faced future three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals.
Nadal defeated the Swiss maestro in straight sets, setting up a clash against 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.
Del Potro proved too strong for Nadal in the semi-final, defeating the Spaniard 6-2, 6-4.
The Argentinian played Novak Djokovic in the final, losing a close contest 6-1, 3-6, 7-6.
