Rafael Nadal, playing with fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, lost his opening doubles match in Doha to Teymuraz Gabashvili and Albert Ramos-Vinolas, 6-7(4), 6-4, 11-9.
UPDATED: Per Andy Taylor’s blog post, Rafa and Fernando were in-control after stealing the first set in a tie-break under annoyingly windy conditions. In fact, they even went up a break in the second, but “Gabashvinolas” broke right back; then broke again to go up 5-4. They would serve out the set. Down a mini-break in the match tie-break, “Teymuramos” battled back to eliminate the other Spanish southpaws 11-9.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal partnered by Fernando Verdasco of Spain, successfully returns the ball during the men’s doubles match against Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia and Albert Ramos of Spain at the Qatar Open in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Alexandra Panagiotidou)
Photo via beINSports
Qatar Tennis
Spain’s Rafael Nadal partnered by Fernando Verdasco of Spain successfully returns the ball during the men’s doubles match against Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia and Albert Ramos of Spain at the Qatar Open in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Alexandra Panagiotidou)
Qatar Tennis
J Beer
You have a suggestion for another post? First match of the season: a win?
Obviously not, but exactly why bother to take the time to post the obvious, except for the seemingly obsessive need you have to be a snarky tool?
First official match of the season….lost.
First visit to rafaelnadalfans in the new year, and I see Mr. Sunshine and Happiness is still posting with the same miserable disposition he had last year.
You have a suggestion for another post? First match of the season: a win?
I agree with vavre comments above, good match, close result and all bodes well for 2016
Sorry for Rafa. Good luck for the singles-match tomorrow. Vamos Rafa <3 <3 <3
I expect that that Rafael and Fernando are linking up with the possibility of playing doubles in the Olympic Games. Rafael Looked good in Abu Dhabi, confident and getting his best game back . Wishing him the best of luck in the singles to morrow.
I am not an expert, but my view is that this is good news for Rafa. He had a close match, but won’t get tired with other matches. I thought that if he can get to the final and play Novak close, it will be perfect practice for AO.
Do others agree or disagree?
Playing in the final would be a very good result for Rafa. Let’s wait and see how will he and others play in Doha.
Is there a link for the whole match? I watched the highlights, It seemed to be a well-played match, and Fernando “lost” more points than Rafa? 🙂
At this moment you can still watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JpWZsPZ_io Hurry up because soon it might be deleted!
I agree