ARTICLES:
- Nadal Maintains Perfect Record In Rio (via ATP World Tour)
“It was a complicated time at the beginning, but in the second set I felt better. I felt better control in the match even though I could not break him until 6-5. I’m happy because this was an important victory for me, to be able to be in a semi-final. It’s a great result, it gives me points, confidence and the opportunity to play tomorrow. I hope I’m recovered.”
Nadal and Cuevas took the court just after 1:00 a.m. The champion here last year, Nadal struggled to find his rhythm. He hit 12 winners to 14 unforced errors in the first two sets but was able to turn things around in the final frame, finishing with 18 winners to 16 unforced errors.
- Nadal Endures Early Morning Finish In Rio Quarters (via Tennis Now)
With the clock now past the 3.a.m. mark, Nadal got the crowd’s attention when he had to change his shorts on court because he had them on backwards after changing clothes during a bathroom break. That prompted whistles and cheers from those in the stands.
- Watch Nadal’s Risky Wardrobe Manoeuvre (via ATP World Tour)
Jogging to his chair, Nadal wrapped a towel around his waist to preserve his modesty before changing his shorts as quickly as possible, to catcalls and whistles from the Brazilian fans. He went on to win the final five games and the match at 3:18am.
- Nadal coge aire (via El Pais)
Nadal jugará ahora por la final con el italiano Fognini, un tenista tan talentoso como irascible. Fresco de piernas, todavía no encuentra el punto justo con la raqueta. Le sobran valores que siempre le distinguieron, para él innegociables, por mucho que ya lo haya ganado todo: ganas, pasión y hambre.
PHOTOS: Nadal survives to reach SFs on clay in Rio
VIDEOS:
- Rafael Nadal changes his shorts on court
- Rio de Janeiro Friday Highlights (via ATP World Tour)
- Rafael Nadal’s message for Open Super 12 Auray (via Open Super 12 Auray)
Reminder: Nadal vs. Fognini – What time does Rafa play? / A que hora juega Rafa en tu país?
Most physically perfect specimen of manhood on the planet. Michelangelo statue perfection.