In his 800th career match, King of Clay Rafael Nadal defeated fellow Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver (6-3, 7-5) to advance to the second round at the Rio Open in Brazil. His next opponent will be Albert Montanes.
Rafa faced a break point in his very first game, and the set got off to a slow start. With signs of his trademark footwork and strokes beginning to show, Rafa broke to take a 4-2 lead, and took the set at 6-3. The second set started with Rafa being broken in his first service game, only to break back and get back on serve. Rafa went on to take the set at 7-5.
About his win and subsequent matches, Rafa said – “I have to raise my level match by match. It was really important to win after spending a week without practice. Gimeno-Traver was more used to the conditions than me since he played the recent clay tournaments. I played better than practiced, that is something positive”*
It’s good to see Rafa back in competitive mode, moving freely on the tennis court. Stay tuned for more updates.
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Congratulations, Rafa!
Bravo Rafa même si c’était un peu difficile .L’important , dans ces cas là est la victoire .
VAMOOOSSS CHAMPION au prochain tour
One down. Congratulations Rafa. Looking forward to the next match. Vamos
Way to start Rafa!!!!!!!!!
VAMOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
Bravo champion!! nr one !!
” slow but sure ” ….. good to see u back … n won .. this is more important …..
…. vamoossss …. GBU
Rafa, you are a winner always!!
Siiii, Rafa!!!! vamoooooooos!!!!!!
Go Nadal.. You are the one!!!