For Rafael Nadal, Basel nearly ended at the beginning. Our champ came from a set down to beat No. 92 Lukas Rosol 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(4). At first he struggled to adjust to quite fast indoor conditions, but as the match was going on he found his rytham and sealed victory after two hours and 16 minutes.
After the match, Rafa said: “For me it was very difficult to adjust. I tried to survive in that second set and wait for an opportunity.” (via AP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain arrives for his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol during the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves a ball against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol during their match at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves a ball against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol during their match at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
El tenista español Rafael Nadal devuelve la bola al checo Lukas Rosol durante el partido de primera ronda del torneo de Basilea disputado en Suiza, hoy 26 de octubre de 2015. EFE/Georgios Kefalas
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves a ball against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol during their match at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a ball against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol during their match at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
El tenista español Rafael Nadal devuelve la bola al checo Lukas Rosol durante el partido de primera ronda del torneo de Basilea disputado en Suiza, hoy 26 de octubre de 2015. EFE/Georgios Kefalas
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a ball against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol during their match at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, durante el partido de primera ronda del torneo de Basilea disputado ante el checo Lukas Rosol en Suiza, hoy 26 de octubre de 2015. EFE/Georgios Kefalas
El tenista español Rafael Nadal, durante el partido de primera ronda del torneo de Basilea disputado ante el checo Lukas Rosol en Suiza, hoy 26 de octubre de 2015. EFE/Georgios Kefalas
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Spanish player Rafael Nadal gestures after he won against Czech player Lukas Rosol during the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament on October 26, 2015 in Basel, northern Switzerland. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his match against Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol at the Swiss Indoors ATP men’s tennis tournament in Basel, Switzerland October 26, 2015. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
I am happy that Rafa won but it wasn’t an impressive win. To lose the 1st st 1-6 to a 30 years old 92nd rank with only 3 career titles and 11-19 win to lose in 2015 is really worrisome.
Rafa, at Federer’s home country,stood up to the praises of Federer that he had to change his play to face Rafa, the toughest lefty player he encountered with vicious spin. Federer must have enjoyed this match, I hope.
Great win over a tough opponent-keep your fighting spirit! A big win soon, Rafa!
We knew this would not be an easy match but being the great Champ you are Rafa you prevailed! Vamos Rafa!
Good job, I was thinking with out you Basel would not be as much fun to follow.
I believe you have next year figured out and it will be great . Best luck
GRANDE Rafa!!!! Como el campeón que eres!! No vi el partido pero menos mal porque si no, ya estaría muerta de un infarto!! Muy feliz por ti y por nosotros tus fans!!
great come from behind,, vamos Rafa ,,,
Well, I was on the edge of my seat when Rafa was a set and a break down and feared the worst was going to happen but Rafa was and is on his way back to his winning ways, so well done and all the best with the next one
Wow, Rafa’s fighting spirit prevails. What an amazing effort from Rafa to turn the
match around. Rosol is a super tough opponent and very poor sport. I felt
the discomfort and tension on the court the entire match but Rafa finally found that gear
to finish him off. So glad he did. Totally agree with Susieq – onwards and upwards…
Thought he was out, but he fooled us in the end. Great comeback, I clapped so hard I frightened the cat!!
Well played Rafa.Look forward to the atp elite tournament in London Good luck.
What a great fight today!! So proud of Rafa! Vamos <3 <3 <3
Fantastic RAFA– great win, SOO HAPPY for you!!!
The mind and heart of a true champion never leaves and this was the case with Rafael. He is back believing and only he could do what he did, won when it looked all over. The crowd were behind him. Rosel is a badly mannered man. So happy for our champion. Vamos Rafaaaa
Exactly! In a game of inches, Rafa shows what a true champion is. No little nasty tricks necessary. And his on court interview illustrated once again why we love this humble man. Certain other players do have the attitude that they are entitled to win matches, pouting, breaking things, and glaring at the croud when things dare go against them. One of a kind. So proud to be a fan.
Oh, and great match! These are the ones that were going the other way too many times this year.
“Crowd”
That was indeed an extraordinary performance from Rafa. His game appears to be coming back – the bits and pieces are falling into place – consistency, footwork, rhythm and above all, confidence. This is good, very good.
ps: GREAT ACES !!!!!!!!! : )
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Congratulations on your AMAZING & POWERFUL VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!! : ) KUDOS & God bless you!!!!! You are SUCH A WINNER & YOUR motivation & inner strength is BEAUTIFUL to witness!!!!! : ) : ) VAMOS…….VAMOS…….VAMOS….. Have a great evening with your loved ones & a great tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! : ) : )
If I had to choose a player to fight for my life, it would be you, Rafa. You never give up. Bravo.
I wasn’t able to watch your match, Rafa, but I’m s glad you won!!! Go, go, go on to the next WIN!!
VAMOS, RAFA!!!
A very tough match for Rafa but he never gives up and came through it Onwards and upwards now Rafa. Good luck for your next match
Well, that made me bite my nails! Right result though – onwards and upwards…