(AP) Nearly 14 years after their first meeting as professionals, Rafael Nadal maintained order by beating Spanish countryman Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-2 to make the Barcelona Open quarterfinals on Thursday.
Rafa has yet to drop a set in six tour-level and challenger matches against Montanes. They exchanged early breaks but Rafa soon took control. Our champ broke serve five times and had 24 winners against only nine for Montanes.
“I had a great forehand today and the conditions were much better than yesterday,” Rafa said.
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Albert Montanez during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Albert Montanes of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Photo via Barcelona Open
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Albert Montanes of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a plays a backhand against Albert Montanez during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal coloca con esmero su botellas de líquido durante su partido contra su compatriota Albert Montañes, de octavos de final del Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell-Trofeo Conde de Godó, jugado esta tarde en las instalaciones del Real Club Tenis de Barcelona. EFE/Andreu Dalmau
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Albert Montanez during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Albert Montanez during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Albert Montanes of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his match against Albert Montanes of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand against Albert Montanez during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point against Albert Montanes of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning a point against Albert Montanez of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Albert Montanez of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Albert Montanez of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Nadal won 6-2, 6-2. (April 20, 2016 – Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Albert Montanes of Spain during day four of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Photo via Barcelona Open
Coming off his first title of the year at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, Rafa will next face Fabio Fognini, who defeated eighth-seeded Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-2.
Rafa is trying to win his ninth title at the Barcelona Open, and first since 2013. He is on a seven-match winning streak.
Source: The Associated Press
SI ME LO TRADUCEN PODRÍA COMENTAR GRACIAS POR NO HABER CONSIDERADO MI PETICIÓN ,LO LAMENTO,NO HE PODIDO SEGUIR LAS ACTIVIDADES DE RAFAEL PORQUE NO SE INGLÉS. ATTE ADRIANA.
2016-04-21 13:56 GMT-03:00 Rafael Nadal Fans :
> Rafael Nadal Fans posted: “(AP) Nearly 14 years after their first meeting > as professionals, Rafael Nadal maintained order by beating Spanish > countryman Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-2 to make the Barcelona Open > quarterfinals on Thursday. Rafa has yet to drop a set in six tour-level > and” >
‘rafa, you are playing soooooooooo well.
all the best for tomorrow,love, and God bless,Alaine,Australia,XX
Vamos Rafa eres el mejor
Good Job today. Vamos Rafa!!!
Great performance rafa
What i liking from past few matches is ur able find the perfect position to hit ur shots
u seem to be very clear in ur mind what shot ur going to hit
tomorrow just play with same attitude and play thinking just as another good opponent in u r way
jusy remember to generate the high spinning chest/shoulder bounce
For u r next two matches just increase the speed on ur shot
Vamos rafa and good luck
Rafa est le meilleur
Gatina
Je suis d’accord.
VAMOS RAFA!