On Thursday, nine-time champion Rafael Nadal will play his second round match at the French Open in Paris against world No. 154 Nicolas Almagro.
REUTERS/PASCAL ROSSIGNOL
Date: May 28, 2015
Time: Approximately 12.45 pm local time (12.45 pm CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / 11.45 am GMT – United Kingdom / 6.45 am EDT – New York, Montreal / 8.45 pm AEST – Melbourne). To convert to your local time, use this website.
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Rafa has played Nico thirteen times before and leads the series 12-1. Here are the matches they have played against each other:
| Year | Tournament & City | Surface | Round | Winner & Score |
| 2015 | Barcelona Spain |
Clay | R32 | Nadal, Rafael 6-3, 6-1 Stats |
| 2015 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami FL, U.S.A. |
Hard | R64 | Nadal, Rafael 6-4, 6-2 Stats |
| 2014 | Barcelona Spain |
Clay | Q | Almagro, Nicolas 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 Stats |
| 2013 | Barcelona Spain |
Clay | F | Nadal, Rafael 6-4, 6-3 Stats |
| 2013 | Acapulco Mexico |
Clay | S | Nadal, Rafael 7-5, 6-4 Stats |
| 2012 | Roland Garros France |
Clay | Q | Nadal, Rafael 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-3 Stats |
| 2010 | Roland Garros France |
Clay | Q | Nadal, Rafael 7-6(2), 7-6(3), 6-4 Stats |
| 2010 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid Spain |
Clay | S | Nadal, Rafael 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 Stats |
| 2009 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris France |
Hard | R32 | Nadal, Rafael 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-5 Stats |
| 2009 | US Open NY, U.S.A. |
Hard | R32 | Nadal, Rafael 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 Stats |
| 2008 | Roland Garros France |
Clay | Q | Nadal, Rafael 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 Stats |
| 2006 | Barcelona Spain |
Clay | S | Nadal, Rafael 7-6(2), 6-3 Stats |
| 2004 | Palermo Italy |
Clay | R32 | Nadal, Rafael 6-1, 7-5 Stats |
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
The BIG question is, Can our dear Rafa Nadal defeat the imperious Djokovic in the quarters??? O have some serious doubts.
Rafa: the best today when playing Almagro. I hope you have good feelings on the court, and as you often say, I hope that you feel the ball. I pray that you feel good and are in good spirits; that you are able to play pain free and remain in good health during this tournament and beyond; and I pray that you feel calm and relaxed in a good way that will allow you to play your best tennis with confidence. Believe in yourself, and forget about how great other players are. You are unique, you are your own person. Love, and God Bless you, Marylynn
Ever since Rafa’s loss to Wawrinka in the 2014 Australian Open final, Rafa’s opponents have been playing far more aggressively against him, going for winners and near-winners at every opportunity. Because they know that’s their only chance to beat him. Yesterday’s match was a perfect example of that.
I thought Rafa responded well, playing one of his best matches this year, with lots of great defensive shots and clean winners, especially off the forehand side. He served very well with excellent pace and was perfect with his volleys and overhead smash, particularly that amazing no-look backhand smash winner. Yes, as another commenter pointed out, he did mishit a few groundstrokes here and there, but that was really the only hiccup in his game.
Most important of all, Rafa positioned himself much closer to the baseline, and got more consistent depth on his shots. He was calm, cool, and collected throughout the match. If he continues to play at this level or better, he will have an excellent chance to win the tournament. And BTW, I’m not the only person saying this. 4-time slam winner and Tennis Channel announcer Jim Courier also said that Rafa looked in very good form – just like “The Old Rafa” who won so many big tournaments through the years. VAMOS!!!
@Move In Rafa Or Move On – I loved your post. I agree with every single word. He played closer to the baseline. If he holds the baseline throughout every match, and comes to net the way he needs to (and Rafa plays the net beautifully) then I’d say he’s getting the form he needs in order to be the VICTOR. Marylynn
Vamos dear Rafa!!! : ) Have a great time in your next match!!! : ) I noticed sometimes Almagro, (just like Finnini) both of them out of the blue decide to attack in an unpredictable manner….. to surprise the opponent, they begins a match slow, & in the 3rd or 4th game, decide to out of the blue return a strong cross court ball….and follow it by extra energized returns…. and for a few shots play stronger returns – that usually only lasts for few shots…. they switch rhythm suddenly and on purpose as a tactic… Vamos dear Rafa….you played them & your know very well what to do…I just thought to mention my observation here…. Best wishes & have lots of fun tomorrow playing your beautiful game!!!! : ) God bless you!!!!!! : )
Vamos Rafa eres unico, a ganar, suerte en el partidos
All the best for today Rafa. May God bless n be with you. Vamos Rafa. Love your Aussie Nana. 😀😀 🎈🎈🎈
Vamos Rafa! Almagro is a tough opponent for an early round but you will win this! Vamos Rafa<3