Rafael Nadal kicked off his bid for a second Cincinnati Masters title with a solid second-round victory over Pablo Cuevas.
The Spanish world number five, who fired down six aces and made 21 winners, needed 90 minutes to edge out his Uruguayan opponent 6-1, 7-6(4). He only lost four points on his serve in the first set to cruise through it before punishing Pablo for missed chances in the second. It was Rafa’s 20th win in Cincinnati.
After the match, Rafa said:
I think I played well. I think I played a good match against a tough opponent in the first round for me for sure.
After coming from Rio and after the marathon that I had, it’s a very important victory for me. So I’m very happy.
He will face either 14th seed Nick Kyrgios or Borna Coric in the last 16.
VAMOS RAFA!
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, returns to Pablo Cuevas, of Uruguay, on the fifth day of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, serves to Pablo Cuevas, of Uruguay, on the fifth day of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, returns to Pablo Cuevas, of Uruguay, on the fifth day of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, returns to Pablo Cuevas, of Uruguay, on the fifth day of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
MASON, OH – AUGUST 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during his second round match against Pablo Cuevas during day 5 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 17, 2016 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, tosses a ball away during a match against Pablo Cuevas, of Uruguay, on the fifth day of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
MASON, OH – AUGUST 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during his second round match against Pablo Cuevas during day 5 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 17, 2016 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
MASON, OH – AUGUST 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during his second round match against Pablo Cuevas during day 5 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 17, 2016 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, reacts during a match against Pablo Cuevas, of Uruguay, on the fifth day of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
MASON, OH – AUGUST 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after defeating Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-1, 7-6 on Day 5 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 17, 2016 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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He works so hard…wish I had this energy!
Tu servicio estuvo fantastico Vamos Rafa, disfrute el partido
HI, AGAIN PLAYING YOUR SOCKS OFF ..WELL DONE AND ENJOY .
ITS GOOD TO SEE YOU RESTED A LITTLE YOU LOOK GOOD. VAMOSS XXXXXXX
Bravo, Rafa!
Such dedication, such determination, such hunger!!! A good solid match from you, Rafa. Loving the backhand and the fact that you don’t waste valuable time and court space by constantly running round your BH to hit the FH. It all bodes well for greater challenges to come in future rounds. Nothing but a title win in Cincinnati. You can do it. You will do it !!
KEEP THE FIRE BURNING!!! 😀👍❤️
Keep it up Rafa! I didn’t watch, but great that you got the job done in straight sets. Watch out for Coric!
Rafa you have put up a marvellous game after your marathon at Olympics.
You are truly Amazing, and deserve all praise and credit.
Enjoy every minute of your tournament and you modesty and humility that comes with it all.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXaustraliaXX
Congratulations gorgeous Rafa 😍❤️ Keep it going 😃👍
VAMOS and good luck at your next match 🎾💪🍀😘
Good job. Vamos Rafa <3
Rafa you look mahhhhvelous….
Keep going and get to finals and trophy
RAFA ROCKS
Congrats not on tv