(AP) — Rafael Nadal’s winning streak was extended to 16 matches when Nicolas Almagro retired in the first set on Wednesday at the Italian Open.
Rafa was leading 3-0, 15-30 when Almagro bent over and grasped his left knee. Our champ went over to Almagro’s side of the net to ask what was wrong and consoled his opponent. Almagro then got some medical attention at his chair but quickly retired from the second-round match.
Rafa has won consecutive clay-court tournaments in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. He’s aiming for an eighth title at the Foro Italico as he prepares for the French Open, which starts in less than two weeks.
Rafa will next face either 13th-seeded Jack Sock or Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic.
Source: The Associated Press
A true friend with a heart of gold 💖 that’s Rafa 🤗 – Hope Nico’s feeling better soon 🍀
First of all poor Nicholas and all the best for your knee recovery, and sincere thanks to Rafa for his very sincere heart of full compassion to his country colleague,
and all the best for your next match Rafa,
Love and prayers,
ALaine XXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
I wouldn’t have expected anything less. Rafa is a true sportsman with concern for his fellow man. Again such a warm person with a kind heart
The younger players ( and a few older one’s) would do well to take a leaf out of Rafas’s book and see that this is the way to act and not smashing rackets. So proud to be a Rafa fan , but the proudest people should be Rafas’s Mum and dad and especially Uncle Toni they bought him up impeccably.
Rafa, you are a man of impeccable character.
RAFA ROCKS
Empathy and compassion; just two of many reasons why I am a passionate Rafa fan.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafa is amazing and a true role model as a person and in sportsmanship ❤️🤗
Good luck tomorrow Rafa 🍀🤞🏻
VAMOS CHAMP! 🎾💪🏼😘
OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) You had a great, swift command of the court and it was clear in the 3: nada that you were striking & serving just right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS for fighting for the 2:0 lead…..that was special and energizing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART & Enjoy everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) ) : ) : ) : ) Have a nice evening dear Rafa & a beautiful tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Have a great time & lots & lots of fun playing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) ; ) ; ) It will be a great match and it will be a great match for you Senior sweetheart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) wi……wi….wi……& ci…..ci…..ci…… !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Roma is beautiful and enjoy your lovely time there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) : ) ; ) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) : ) : ) It was great to view your interviews and see how gorgeous you are INSIDE OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) ; ) : ) : ) We love you & very happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) The beautiful warm welcome you received by the fans was great…………..pretty cool the fans were waiting for you on both sides for your neat signature…..very nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Have fun with THE TEAM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) Lots of love & happiness & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Eres increible jugador y ser humanos Vamos Rafa por el 8 y si no lo ganas no importa Enfocarse en el French Open Buena suerte
Hmmm…watch out Rafa, Jack has been at your academy honing his skills. I hope he didn’t learn any secrets…😏
GOOD LUCK TOMORROW RAFA
Most of us are his fans not just because he is a great player, becoz he is an even greater human being.
Love u Rafa
Just seen milos beat tommy haas – clearly he is back from injury and looking very good. Hope he isn’t too much of a threat to rafa. I did see him beat rafa on a clay court – think it was 2015 but that was rafa’s bad year.
Rafa is just a great person. Good luck for tomorrow. Vamos Rafa <3
Get better Nicolás.
Rafa, I know you wanted to play today but take advantage to help you through your journey to Rome’s final.
RAFA ROCKS
Concern = Class!
Rafael your a gem,
God love you 🙂
Rafa does not like to win like this, but I was never so proud to be a Rafa fan. Rafa was the first person to reach Nico after he twisted his knee. Rafa stayed near him while he received medical treatment. He applauded Almagro went he limped off the court. Rafa then stayed on court to practice before the disappointed fans. Is he not great or what?