The draw for the Barcelona tournament is out. Rafael Nadal will start his title defense by playing the winner of a match between Rogerio Dutra Silva (No. 70) and Renzo Olivo (No. 93).
Seeds in Rafa’s half include A. Zverev, Kolhschrieber, Ferrer, Goffin, Cuevas, Sousa and Nishikori. Seeds in the other half are A. Murray, F. Lopez, Ramos-Vinolas, Bautista Agut, Thiem, M. Zverev, Gasquet and Carreno Busta.
Rafa’s potential route to the final:
- 1st round: Bye
- 2nd round: Rogerio Dutra Silva or Renzo Olivo
- 3rd round: Philipp Kolhschrieber
- Quarter-final: Alexander Zverev
- Semi-final: Kei Nishikori
- Final: Andy Murray
- Andy Murray vs Roberto Bautista Agut
- Dominic Thiem vs Pablo Carreno Busta
- Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Nadal
- David Goffin vs Kei Nishikori
For Rafa this will be his 13th participation at the tournament, where he will play for his 10th title. During Rafa’s 12 appearances in the City of Barcelona, he has compiled a 49-3 record.
UPDATED: Kei Nishikori has been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a right wrist injury. Frenchman Benoit Paire will take his spot in the draw.
Source: ATP World Tour
Rafa, I am waiting with bated breath and wild anticipation to gaze upon your maiden-winning score tomorrow on the newly named Court Rafa Nadal.
Little did I know when I first saw you that I would be a witness to the illustrious career of one of the greatest tennis champions of all time. Thank you for the years of joy you have given, and keep giving. A fan could not have asked for more.
BEST OF LUCK AT BARCELONA
RAFA ROCKS
I don’t know about anyone else, but were I playing a Masters-level-final- tennis match, with the winner looking to gain 1,000 points, make that one-thousand points, and there was an obvious wrong call made against me, I would have performed a song, a dance, and played the orchestra. LOL
I am happy that David has put this behind him. Little was said here about David replaying the point. He went as far as saying the umpire is a nice guy. So glad he and Rafa were not affected by the whole thing. I think both of them deserve an applause for not permitting the media, the audience or fans take it further. Kudos!!!
RAFA ROCKS
I think there is no way an informed person can look at the score and insist that Rafa should not have won the match.
No, I am not a professional athlete and that is why I would love to hear answers from a medical doctor, a sports trainer, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and some professional athletes, as to why David lost the second set at such a disastrous level. Who can say we won’t end up with a “potpourri” of answers.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafa, you had easy final and semi-final matches at MC so you will probably go into Barcelona fresh and in great shape. Stay focused, KNOW you can win this and I hope your maiden match on Pista Rafa Nadal is a joyous and proud one for you. A maiden voyage is never forgotten.
BEST OF TENNIS TO YOU RAFA
RAFA ROCKS
RAFA ROCKS
Good luck on the court named after you.
And isnt that fantastic – especially while rafa is still playing!
Good luck for the tournament <3