Rafael Nadal and Bernard Tomic advanced to the second round of BNP Paribas Open tournament in the doubles competition. They beat Pablo Carreno Busta and Joao Sousa 6-4, 7-6(7) in one hour and 33 minutes.
Rafa and Bernie, playing together for the first time, let slip three match points at 6/3 in the tie-break, but regrouped to convert their fourth opportunity after one hour and 33 minutes. They will face either Goffin/Tsonga or Klaasen/Ram next.
If you somehow missed it, or just want to watch it again, HERE it is!
Rafa will play his first round singles match against Guido Pella on Sunday.
INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Bernard Tomic of Australia take to the court to play in the men’s doubles against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Joao Sousa of Portugal at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Bernard Tomic of Australia watch a ball over the net as they play in the men’s doubles against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Joao Sousa of Portugal at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 10: Bernard Tomic of Australia serves with Rafael Nadal of Spain as they play in the men’s doubles against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Joao Sousa of Portugal at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Bernard Tomic of Australia talk before play in the men’s doubles against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Joao Sousa of Portugal at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Bernard Tomic of Australia celebrate a game as they play in the men’s doubles against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Joao Sousa of Portugal at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Bernard Tomic of Australia celebrate a point as they play in the men’s doubles against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Joao Sousa of Portugal at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 10, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Source: BNP Paribas Open
Thanks you SO much for the link to the video! I was not able to get this match where I am – so this great! Thanks very much!!
Rafa I didn’t see the game, with you and Tomic,
but from all accounts you both played to complement each other.
ALL the best for the ongoing matches,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXsydneyXXAustraliaXX
Vamos Rafa <3
GLAD for your win; keep it up!!!! VAMOS RAFA!~~!!!
Congrats on the win! Rafael’s pro-active attitude seemed to nudge Tomic ahead.
It looked as though they were having some fun😃 Good luck in singles-🌴💪👏❣️
Great work from you both , Rafas’s great mate Marc López was in the crowd watching.I wonder what his thoughts were, probably wishing he was partnered with Rafa as he would then still be in the tournament.
Rafa and Marc have a great relationship both on and off the court. They are a delight to watch in doubles together. So smiley and relaxed.
Rafa and Tomic looked a bit uncomfortable with one another at first I thought. Didn’t talk much when sitting down and looked so serious. But after winning the first set they seemed more at ease and they certainly played well together.
I was happy to see Tomic giving it his all. He was really trying and was playing very good tennis. I was relieved as I feared he would let Rafa down as he hasn’t always had a good attitude . He received a lot of bad publicity following his defeat in the first round of the singles where he seemed very casual in his play.
However playing with Rafa must have inspired him somewhat . But who wouldn’t be inspired by Rafa and his totally professional approach to the game?
Beverly, I agree that they seemed awkward st the start, but then did get in a groove. Bernie served well and played better than I expected. Rafa was pretty good too and had some super shots typical of Rafa. In an interview, Rafa explained that he and Bernie were supposed to play together in Brisbane. Rafa was tired from winning the exhibition so he committed to IW. Rafa also said he had been sick for two days but was better now. I was curious when I did not see his name on the practice courts. I really did not expect them to win so it was a nice surprise.
I think Tomic has too much respect for Rafa to not try to play his best. I know he has a bad reputation but when I heard they’re gonna team up, somehow I felt excited as I believe Rafa will inspire him to adopt a better attitude and that might inspire Rafa back. Also a better player on the tour is always a good thing.
It’s gonna be interesting to see how deep they can go. Good luck for the “odd couple”. 😁🍀🏆
Rafaaaa, do I see an Indian Wells trophy? Or a new doubles partnership?
Good luck with singles and doubles.
RAFA ROCKS