ARTICLES:
… “It’s true that with love/40, I was very close to losing, to being out, but I think I did two good serves and then I played a great point,” said Nadal. “Tough one. Anything can happen, but in the end I played well. After that, I think I played better.
- Indian Wells: Nadal d. Stepanek (via tennis.com)
… “I was a little bit of lucky,” Nadal said afterward with a grin, acknowledging how important that 2-3 game had been. He also acknowledged that while Stepanek is a “tough guy to play,” he would need to clean up his act going forward. And soon: Nadal could have it tough again in his next round, when he faces the explosively streaky Alexandr Dolgopolov.
- Federer, Nadal, Murray Advance at Indian Wells (via abcnews.com)
… “With my serve I was doing nothing. When that happens, the opponent is able to play more aggressive, play more confident and in the end, eight double faults, I give him an opportunity to win a lot of free points,” Nadal said. “I was a little bit scared for the back. I am not feeling 100 percent confident with my serve. But probably that match is going to help me understand that I can start to serve normal again.”
- Nadal sufre para ganar a Stepanek en tres sets (via mundodeportivo.com)
… Rafa Nadal ganó al checo Radek Stepanek en la segunda ronda de Indian Wells (California), el primerMaster 1000 del año, en un partido a tres sets (2-6, 6-4 y 7-5) muy sufrido por el tenista español.
- Conoce a Rafa Nadal (via Kia Espana)
- Quick Hits (via the-slice.com)
PHOTOS:
VIDEOS:
- Nadal defeats Stepanek – Full match, hotshot, highlights, interview
- Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and John McEnroe BNP Paribas Open Murals Unveiled
- BNP Paribas Open: Rafael Nadal Returns for Title Defense
- Federer’s Wacky Warmup — Nadal’s Romantic Vacay — Li Na’s Bad Aim
- Who’s on Tap: Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal and More
- Rafael Nadal gets oiled up at ATP photo shoot in Indian Wells
iThink that all of Rafa,s Fans a little concern about his back,and you could see that he was not confident about his game,and Im sure Iv never seen him get 8 double faults,thats just showing how insecure he was out there.God bless you Rafa we pray your back will improve,vamoooooooooooooos Champion.Vamos.Great win considering all things taken into .account.
That’s the hallmark of a legend – digging dip and finding the right solutions when it matters most! Congrats Rafa!! However, I still have this foreboding of a looming danger ahead: that Rafa may end up withdrawing or losing due to the back problem and this may happen again against Stan!!! But let’s see how it goes…………..
I agree with your sentiments about Rafa’s back and believe with every match he will get more confidence with the serve Vamos My Champ
Rafa so glad that you feel a little more confident with your Back, now hoping that you can relax better now and serve well. Vamooooooooooooooooos.
It was a great match, scary, but great ! 😉
That’s what champions do, they come through
When they need to most, and that’s what you did, even with the worry you had
Congratulations champ!