Fognini upsets Nadal in 3rd round of Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal can't seem to find his game, even on his preferred clay-court surface.

The fourth-ranked player in the world was upset Thursday in the third round of the Barcelona Open by Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-4, 7-6 (6). 

Nadal entered as an eight-time champion in Barcelona, and the third-round exit was his worst result in the tournament since he was a 16-year-old in 2003. It was also the second match in a row the Spaniard lost to Fognini after emerging victorious in their first four career meetings.

After losing in the semifinals in Monte Carlo last week, Nadal's next tuneup for the French Open - where he's a nine-time champ - will be at the Madrid Open in May.