A break and a hold gave Rafa an early lead in the first set and kept the momentum up, breaking Monfils twice more to take the set at 6-1. Both contenders played at a high level, as evident by long rallies, but Rafa seemed to be on fire in the opening round. The second round began routinely, but gave us quite a scare when Rafa seemed to injure his right foot. There was no MTO or trainer called on court, however, and the set proceeded with Rafa breaking mid-way, taking the set at 6-2. The third set had no surprises. Rafa’s forehand was consistent, and he took the set at 6-3. He will face Kei Nishikori next.
“Gael is always a big test, he’s a great player,” said Nadal. “Today I played my best match of the year. I’m very emotional to play that well again in Australia after missing last year. It’s a special moment for me to play a night session in the Rod Laver Arena in front of this incredible crowd.” (via BBC)
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Ben Solomon/Tennis Australia
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Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac
Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac
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Ben Solomon/Tennis Australia
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Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac
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Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac
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Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac
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AP Photo/Aaron Favila
AP Photo/Aaron Favila
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Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
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EFE/EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
EFE/EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
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AP Photo/Aaron Favila
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Ben Solomon/Tennis Australia
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Fantastic play🙀🙀🙀🙀stay healthy-opportunity presents itself-good luck🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟sometimes it is difficult to watch🙈but what an amazing,wild ride
this Open has become. Stay fierce, bending not breaking🌾 still standing after the storm🎋🎋🎋🎋🎋🎋🎋🎋
Incroyable…exceptionnel Rafa..Match parfait.Grand bravo et félicitations champion !!!!
VAMOSSSS Rafaaaaaa !!!!
Fantastic match Rafa, was hoping your right foot wasn´t going to bother you and it didn´t Vamos
He was unbelieveble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vamos!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Congratulations on your great win against Gael, Rafa. You played great. Love the way you’re taking the ball early. Keep being positive, confident, and mentally fresh. + Love you. Marylynn.
well done the big test…..congratts my idol….keep going goodluck….
Vamos Rafaaaa!, Closer to the final!!!!