(Reuters) Second seed Rafael Nadal survived a late fightback from Adrian Mannarino as he beat the French qualifier 6-1, 7-6(6) on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals of the China Open during a rain-hit day in Beijing.
The 30-year-old got off to a quick start, winning nine of the first 11 games. However, Mannarino rallied back to force the second set into a tiebreak before Rafa ended the contest on his second match point.
After the match, Rafa said:
I think I played a fantastic first set. Great level of tennis, serving very good, hitting so good. During the second set, I slowed the rhythm a little bit and he played very well.
I think I played with the right amount of determination in the tiebreak. It’s very important for my confidence to pass through these tough moments.
Rafa will face Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Source: Reuters, Video: ATP World Tour
The nerves have certainly got a firm hold of Rafa! After a good match against Mannarino, he suddenly went to pieces and couldn’t find his serve or forehand! I’ve loved seeing Rafa play scintillating tennis over the years but now I watch in nervous anticipation, willing him to come through matches. It can’t be easy for him as players he once demolished are beating him handily. Dimitrov didn’t play a fantastic match himself but he was made to look good because Rafa, by his own admission, played so badly. All Dimitrov had to do was bunt the ball back and wait for an error from the other side of the net.
I truly hope Rafa gets some confidence from his doubles win against the Bryan brothers. A player so great as Rafa deserves to climb the ladder of glory again. Form is temporary, class is permanent. The problem is definitely in his head and a sports psychologist may be the answer. Deep breaths Rafa. Good lluck to you and Carreno Busta in your doubles final and I hope you have a great run in Shanghai.❤️❤️❤️
I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but that was painful to watch. Rafa looked and played like an amateur! In all the years that I have watched Rafa, I have never have seen him play so poorly. Dimitrov played an excellent match but Rafa just couldn’t do anything right… I think he wanted to get off the court as soon as possible and… I wanted him to hurry up as well. Today was different from his loss to Pouile (which I thought was a great match ) Dimitrov just dismantled Rafa and he will definitely will need time to heal. I just hope he can put this behind him and not let it get to him. Love you Rafa win or lose !
Sad but true!
after long time i am not sad after rafa loss in this match because i have seen his previous match and this one too
the great thing was he found out what was missing from his game
the energetic power swing in his hands is back while hitting cross court or down the line forehands
his shots having a zip again and he is not hesitating to use his forehands
this match he cannot hold serve that’s it and after loosing 1 set the opponent always have upper hand and grigor played great in 2 nd set
the best thing rafa didn’t change his plans and played with same attitude
nothing to worry rafa
if rafa continue to play like this soon we will dsee him lifting 2 to 3 grand slams and masters for sure
best luck rafa and have a great health….take care
vamos rafa great attitude
u looked so refreshed and was so pleasing to see u play
after long time he started playing like this which is great,
taking the ball early and hitting with great intensity
the unforced errors will surely come but great things to come
vamos rafa i am with u
played all out there
my only worry is after today loss rafa should not even think of changing his style what he adopted in last three matches
we will see great results from rafa soon