Defending champion and World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has reached the quarter-finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia with a 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-1 victory over Mikhail Youzhny.
”Get used to (it),” Rafa said of his recent struggles. ”With the years that’s the normal thing. Everybody suffers. That’s part of the sport.” At 27, Rafa believed his best days were probably behind him. ”At this age, (Bjorn) Borg was doing other things. It’s not possible to win for 10 years with easy scores and easy matches. At the same time, I’m sure I can do much better than I am doing.”
King of Clay will face Andy Murray on Friday. It will be their first FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting since the end of 2011, when Andy won in the Tokyo final.
Source: AP / Photos: TennisTV, Reuters, AP Photo, Getty Images
It’s true that Rafa has been struggling, but it is also true that he has been winning…..but it is also true that players (Stanimal & Nicolas Almagrot) that have never won against him have now won. However, it is also true that he will defeat Andy today. We’ll see…..
Tremendous game!!I enjoyed every minute of it.glad to see Maria and your parents. I think they bring you luck. I believe in those things.
One of my Rafa headline blogs proclaimed that Rafa beat Michael Youzney to set up quarter-final clash with Rafa Nadal.. I guess that’s what happens when you’re so good you run out of opponents.
Such great games from Rafa! I know it’s a battle for Rafa but I am so happy to look at my favourite player come back and win two matches with three sets, Love Rafa when he’s playing like this only the second serves,backhands and some forehands are letting him down, I guess injuries are still bothering him. Mikail celebrated one point in third seta s if it’s a win for the match, he fought so hard to prevent a bagel to toast and eat after. Go Rafa! Good luck tomorrow ! I’ll be rooting for you love from Toronto!
Congrats Rafa! Salute to your fighting spirit Rafa. Great to see your team especially Xisca. Noticed she has a ring on her left hand, good news soon??
Defensive Rafa struggles, offensive Rafa dominates.
Cautious Rafa struggles, brave Rafa dominates.
Retreating Rafa struggles, advancing Rafa dominates.
Passive Rafa struggles, aggressive Rafa dominates.
Fearful Rafa struggles, fearless Rafa dominates.
VAMOS!!!
Wow, another nail-bitter! Being down a set and a break you would think Youzney could
relax. But not on Rafa’s turf and terms! He’s just as dangerous! Amazing recovery for Rafa!
Two matches in a row demonstrated his resolve and commitment to sport. Looking
forward to some more “Surf and Turf” when facing Andy tomorrow!
If these nail-biters continue I’ll have no fingertips left!
Vamos Rafa!
i love rafa
Congratulations Our Nadal! You’re a great fighter. All the best for tomorrow’s game. Vamos Nadal!
Judy
Sent from my iPhone