Not even idol Woods can lift Nadal

Spanish great succumbs to Italian at US Open to complete lamentable Slam season

Not even the presence of his sporting inspiration, Tiger Woods, at the US Open could lift Rafa Nadal to his accustomed heights at Flushing Meadows, leaving the Spaniard to assess his recent shortcomings on the court.

Nadal was 151-0 in Grand Slams when winning the first two sets, but his perfect record ended when he could not stave off the comeback of inspired Fabio Fognini, who prevailed 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that ended in the wee hours on Saturday.