ARTICLES:
- Nadal Streaks Into Third Round, To Renew Fognini Rivalry (via ATP World Tour)
Eighth seed Rafael Nadal needed two hours and 41 minutes to turn aside Diego Schwartzman 7-6(5), 6-3, 7-5 on Wednesday at the US Open. It was his 750th tour-level match win.
“I think I served well today,” said Nadal. “My serve was working well. I think I had the match under control at the beginning playing well. Then I played a bad game with the 5-3. Then the match became a little bit more crazy (with) some ups and downs.”
- Tested but not beaten, Nadal advances (via US Open)
Schwartzman had eight chances to break Nadal, but converted on only three of them. Nadal converted on half his break chances. Nadal also committed more unforced errors – 40 – than he did winners – 38. But during the first week of the US Open, you do not have to win the tournament, you can only lose it. So Nadal has to be pleased to be moving on and getting off the court in three sets.
Suwat Liptapanlop, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, said Wednesday that the match would be played on Oct. 2 at Bangkok’s Hua Mark Indoor Stadium.
- Lopez: Rafa Will Rise Again; Spanish Tennis May Not (via Tennis Now)
“All those players they have been through tough moments. I remember Roger two or three years ago he was not playing his best, but he was able to come back stronger, as he is now,” Lopez said. “And Rafa, I think he is gonna do the same. It’s not easy to be on the top of the hill every year. So he’s not playing his best, but I think he’s gonna be okay. If not this year then next year.”
- Behind the scenes at the US Open: Player registration (via US Open)
The player registration desk is the gateway to the US Open, and Danielle Gooding and her four-person team makes sure there are plenty of smiles – and candy – to go around.
“We’re like a little family,” Gooding said. “Federer has a very sweet tooth. He always comes in and starts eating Starbursts. Nadal is so, so nice. He gives kisses to everyone. Francesca Schiavone, Tomas Berdych, Caroline Wozniacki, Andy Murray – they’re all great. Fernando Verdasco always comes behind our desk and says hello. It’s fantastic.”
PHOTOS:
- Men’s second round action (via US Open)
- Rafael Nadal beats Diego Schwartzman to reach US Open third round
VIDEOS:
- US Open 2015: Rafael Nadal’s second-round press conference (via US Open)
- Match report: Nadal vs Schwartzman (via US Open)
- Exclusive Behind The Scenes Of Rafael Nadal’s Tommy Hilfiger Shoot (via Men’s Fitness)
- Rafael Nadal Gear Guide for US Open (via Tennis Express)
Raffael I just watched you play Fognini n my heart broke n I cried to see you walk to your locker room with your head down, so sad n despondent. It’s not the end of the world Rafa my boy. You are still young n have achieved so much n you have done so much prior to the tournament to make everyone happy. We, your fans, are proud of you. I will be looking forward to seeing you playing in the Australian Open. God bless you. Vamos Rafael. Bravo. Keep smiling. Your Aussie Abuela. 😀😇😄😅
The very best of luck against Fognini Rafa!!
RAFA LOTS OF LUCK FOR FRIDAY AGINST THE FOG, BEAT HIM AGAIN, AND TEACH HIM SOME MANNERS LOVEXX
Thank you Rafa for all your beautiful tennis 🙂 Just relax and enjoy your tennis and don’t let the stupid media get you down, rise above them and let your tennis do the talking VAMOS MY CHAMP ALL THE WAY <3
Vamos Rafa, good luck for tomorrow. We are all with you <3 <3 <3
What an amazing achievement! Vamos Rafa!
Focus Rafa, focus and think who you are and then you will win!
Congratulations you sweet sweet man 😍😘 The best of luck at your next match 🍀 You can do it Champ🌟VAMOS RAFA 😃🎾💪
VAMOS DEAR RAFA & CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very impressive 750 match Wins!!!!!!! : ) Grateful somebody is counting!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) With your powerful, creative strokes sweetheart & timely strong Returns ALL IS POSSIBLE!!!!!! VAMOS & have lots & lots of fun playing your next match!!!!!! : ) : ) Your stability & stride are magnificent!!!!!! I love your court genius & your kind mannerism!!!!! It will be FANTASTIC watching you glide forward & putting your gorgeous court action forth…..ENJOY dear Rafa & have a great time playing your beautiful Tennis!!!!!! : ) : ) VAMOS & God bless you & your blessed team!!!!!