The Rio Open announced its draw today, and here are the results.
Top seed Rafael Nadal, who lost to Fabio Fognini in last year’s semifinals, will face Pablo Carreño Busta in the first round and could face Nicolas Almagro or Daniel Munoz de la Nava in the second round.
Seeds in Rafa’s half include Belluci, Tsonga and Sock. Seeds in the other half are Fognini, Isner, Thiem and Ferrer.
Projected quarterfinals:
- Rafael Nadal vs Thomaz Bellucci
- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Jack Sock
- Fabio Fognini vs John Isner
- Dominic Thiem vs David Ferrer
Rafa’s potential route to the final:
- 1st round: Pablo Carreño Busta
- 2nd round: Nicolas Almagro
- Quarter-final: Thomaz Bellucci
- Semi-final: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
- Final: David Ferrer
All the best of luck in the world to you, Rafa!
Dear Rafa and Rafa Fans,
When a team / or professional athlete loses – in any sport:
1. they look at what they did or didn’t do
2. they figure out why they lost and what needs to be improved
3. they work on the weakness and the problems and try to fix it so they win the next time or fix the problems so you don’t lose (at least get to that stage where you think you can win every time).
I honestly believe that another coach and a fresh perspective in Rafa’s camp would help him to attain this winning solution. In fact, if Rafa and his uncle were willing to give an additional coach a try I know it would work. But Rafa needs to believe this is what he needs and what is missing from his team. He many not want to. Rafa has much pride and possibly cannot allow himself to go in this direction. So, I believe that his Uncle Toni needs to speak up and be the one to initiate this and very soon.
Of course, maybe Rafa will turn it around on his own, I have always believed that he could and would. In fact, I still do. But I do wish that he would seek out a super coach for 2016 – just to tweak his game and work on strategy. He has absolutely nothing to lose.
But, win or lose Rafa will always be my number one, I will always love him, and I will always be his number one cheerleader. God bless you Rafa. And please remain healthy. Love, Marylynn.
Marylynn, you have said it all, and without ranting and raving or getting hysterical. If only we knew if Rafa read these comments, maybe he would accept what you are saying. I’m sure it’s the right way to go for him.
Whatever happens, he will always be loved wherever he goes, and whatever he does.
Rafa you played hard against Thiem and it was close as was the match against Almagro in the final, Thiem is a great player in the making and one to watch in the future. All the very best this week in Rio and may you go further this time. Vamos
Happy Valentine’s Day Rafa, Hope you feel good physically in Rio. Please remain healthy. You need your health in order to play!!! I know you will do well in Rio Rafa, God bless you and Love to you, Marylynn
The very Best of LUCK in RIo next week Rafa You can do it. Happy Valentine,s day to you and Mary Vamos Rafa
Rafa, Rio is boiling, it will be like playing atop a volcano! Make it count in your favor. Be welcome to Brasil. Hope you get to visit the Olympic facilities. I am a volunteer with the Olympic Comite, just not allocated to tennis 🙁