Video: Nadal cramps during press conference
Rafael Nadal caused quite a scare during his press conference after Sunday's victory against David Nalbandian.
At the conclusion of the English portion of his interview, Rafa started wincing in his chair before sliding off to lie down flat on his back under the interview desk. The USTA promptly cleared the interview room but the internal feed still broadcasted the events to the televisions in the media center. Members of the USTA staff and Nadal's team tended to him for about 10 minutes, while the rest of us in the media room were left to wonder about the cause of the sudden fall.
It turns out that Nadal experienced a painful cramp in his right upper leg, and after some stretching, massaging and hydration, he stood up (with the assistance of two trainers) and resumed his press conference.
His short statement on the incident:
"I just have cramping in my leg. That's all. I don't know. There are no questions. I already finished my press conference in English. I talked half an hour. I just have cramping in front and behind. That's why I, was so painful. That's all."
Nadal resumed his Spanish press conference while standing in front of the interview desk with his right leg slightly bent.
Sunday has been noticeably more humid in Flushing Meadows, taking a toll on the players. Nadal's cramping was the second incident of the day, with Flavia Pennetta being stricken by a case of nausea (she was dry heaving on court) late in the second set of her two-and-a-half-hour win over Peng Shuai.
