Rafael Nadal saved a match point against big-serving Kevin Anderson before winning 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-2 in the BNP Paribas Masters third round on Thursday night.
After the match, Rafa said:
Very tough match, he served amazing. I feel very lucky to be through. This type of match a couple of months ago I would not have had chances to win. In terms of mentality I (am) more calm.
Our champ will face Stan Wawrinka in the last eight of the tournament.
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks out to play his match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks out to play his match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their third round match of the BNP Masters tennis tournament at the Paris Bercy Arena, in Paris, France, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after losing point against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their third round match of the BNP Masters tennis tournament at the Paris Bercy Arena, in Paris, France, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their third round match of the BNP Masters tennis tournament at the Paris Bercy Arena, in Paris, France, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their third round match of the BNP Masters tennis tournament at the Paris Bercy Arena, in Paris, France, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning a point against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Nov. 4, 2015 – Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain adjusts his headband between games in his match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain catches a ball between games in his match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during Day 4 of the BNP Paribas Masters held at AccorHotels Arena on November 5, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates as he is wins a point against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their third round match of the BNP Masters tennis tournament at the Paris Bercy Arena, in Paris, France, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates as he is wins a point against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their third round match of the BNP Masters tennis tournament at the Paris Bercy Arena, in Paris, France, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
RAFA, you’re going to trust YOURSELF as always, which is why TRUE RAFA fans love you and will ALWAYS support you. You work hard, it’s paying off and we can see it.
As always; good luck; your match WILL be thoroughly enjoyed. It is yet to be played and I know you are going to bring your VERY best, because that is who you are. This is all anyone can ask of another in this life.
RAFA has won many titles, trophies and millions of dollars but HE HAS WON AN INFINITE amount of HEARTS.
RAFA fan forever.
yes what a beautiful point ,Rafa. es yoir on your way up. god blessxx