Rafa Roundup: January 20, 2014

ARTICLES:

… Looking at his performance so far, it’s hard to believe Rafael Nadal has only won in Melbourne once. The No. 1 seed has looked unstoppable so far in the 2014 Australian Open, and there is little that would indicate he can’t continue all the way to the title.

… The win sets up a quarterfinal clash between Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov, the 22nd-seeded Bulgarian who ended Roberto Bautista Agut’s run earlier today. Nadal said he’s looking forward to the match with a player who has long been touted as a future champion. “He’s amazing; he has everything to be [the] next big star, he already is,” said Nadal. “For me is a great result to be in quarterfinals after missing last year.”

… Nadal had marched into the Round of 16 with the loss of 16 games, and though his match against Nishikori also ended in straight sets, the victory proved to be far from routine.

… Top-ranked Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open after a 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (3) win over Kei Nishikori of Japan. Nadal was broken twice in the third set — getting a time violation from chair umpire Evanthia Asderaki in one of them.

… “No creo que pueda jugar sin vendaje los partidos que restan. Es una situación nueva para mí y eso lo hace complicado. Pierdo sensibilidad con la raqueta pero necesitaría cinco días para cortar la carne muerta y que salga una nueva y no los tengo porque estoy en Australia. Si se me abre la herida en carne viva el torneo corre peligro para mí.”

… As we enter the second week of Australian Open 2014, Alix Ramsay says the men’s singles crown has come down to a familiar battle between the Big Four.

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal defeats Kei Nishikori to advance to quarterfinals at Australian Open

VIDEOS: On court interview, highlights from AO R4 – Rafael Nadal vs. Kei Nishikori

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