The third time is not the charm for Rafael Nadal.
The tennis superstar was stopped short of reaching the U.S. Open quarterfinals for the third consecutive year after France’s Lucas Pouille triumphed on Sunday at Flushing Meadows, N.Y., in five sets, 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6).
The stunning victory by the relatively unknown No. 24 seed knocks fourth-seeded Nadal out of Tuesday’s quarterfinals and ends his bid for the tournament title.
Nadal wore customized NikeCourt Lunar Ballistec tennis shoes from his curated collection of apparel and companion footwear on Nike.com.
Meanwhile, Adidas-sponsored Pouille wore the Adizero Ubersonic 2 tennis sneakers.
The sportswear brand took to Twitter and praised his performance, writing, “Create history. #CreateYourStage @la_pouille.”
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The shoes were released in July and feature lightweight, innovative materials, including 3D Torsion technology that delivers midfoot support for quick directional transitions, and rock-solid stability from the external sprintframe wrapping around the heel.
The Adituff 180 zones around the toe area provide high-abrasion resistance, and the Primeknit bootie construction provides comfort and flexibility.
The sneakers retail for $130 on Adidas.com.
Last month, Nadal, along with his playing partner Marc Lopez, won gold for Spain in the men’s tennis double’s category at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
