Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal and Nikoloz Basilashvili will be squaring off for the first time in their careers when they battle for a place in the fourth round of the French Open on Friday.
Date: June 2, 2017
Match time: Rafa is second on court Philippe Chatrier. Around 1 PM local time / 7 AM EDT – New York, Montreal / noon BST – United Kingdom / 1 PM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / 9 PM AEDT – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
This marks Rafa’s first-ever meeting with Nikoloz Basilashvili, who reached the third round at Roland Garros for the first time by defeating Viktor Troicki 7-6(3), 7-6(2), 7-6(6). The Georgian, currently No. 63, reached a career high No. 53 earlier this year after a brilliant patch during which he reached the semi-finals in Sofia and Lyon, and the final in Memphis.
Rafa on playing Tblisi native Basilashvili:
The opponent is always dangerous because this is Roland Garros. I need to focus on winning. There are days where things go well and other days when things don’t go so well. But when I walk onto the court, I work for every point and have deep respect for all of my opponents.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Source: ATP World Tour
What to say, except ‘congratulations’! Happy Birthday for tomorrow.
Great result today for rafa but whilst watching i thought it was not a great challenge for him. Hopefully he’ll get more of a work out in the next round. Looking forward to his next match. Can anyone confirm that it will be on Sunday? I ask as if most of today’s matches are rained off as expected – it may throw the timetable out.
Hi Susie, as far as I know yes it’s on Sunday. I don’t think any matches have been rained off. I’m watching now the Djokovic/Schwartzman match and the little fellow is playing brilliantly, and has taken two sets to Novak’s one so far. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he can be the one to send Novak home
Hi Maria. Unfortunately Novak prevailed although was bad tempered about it which is no surprise. Yes it looks like all that heavy rain and thunder that was predicted, managed to by-pass Roland Garros so we are on schedule. Really enjoying the French open this year and so happy that rafa is healthy and playing so well.
Hi Susie , yes such a shame the little fellow couldn’t quite manage to beat Novak , although he put up a good fight . So happy that it’s not only Rafa thats taking to much time serving , although Novak wants to take a leaf out of Rafas’s book and accept the warning with grace , no need to go of on one . I hope Andre Agassi knows what he’s let himself in for.
I can’t see Agassi and Novak being together long-term Maria. For one thing he is too busy doing other stuff and secondly I doubt Novak would like being second to him as far as the limelight is concerned. When Novak got a warning for bad language today he accused the umpire of not being able to speak serbian and challenged the warning saying ‘what did I say then’. He is completely disingenuous as the studio confirmed it was swearing in serbian through their translator. I really do not like that man – is it any wonder he has to try so hard to be liked !
You probably aren’t aware Susie but I am neither a fan of Novak’s Lol, no hopefully this partnership will be short lived , the commentator’s also think the same as you. They were also timing Novak and you probably heard , and he also took 30 seconds on some of his serves , so Novak’s in good company Lol. Enjoy the game on Sunday , I also hope that Andy can pull out a win tomorrow, but as our absent friend would say Hmmnn…we shall see.
My goodness, that match against poor Basilashvili was over practically before it started.!! Rafa was really on fire.!! Wanting to get it finished early in readiness for his birthday to-morrow? It is great that he will have a free day to celebrate with his family, team and Mary.
His next match against Bautista-Agut will probably be a tougher one, so hope he does not celebrate too much !!
Happy Birthday, Rafa.!!!!!!!
Rafa is absolutely deadly. I think this is his best level, maybe ever.
Basil is no Djok or Thiem, but he beat Simon and Troiki recently, and Rafa made him look like a nobody.
This is incredible to watch.
I am overjoyed.
Note on commies: Today I had two feeds for this match: skysports with the horrible Mark Letchy, who was still talking about how much time Rafa takes!!!!! and Tennis Channel with Jim Courrier and someone else, who were talking Rafa’s incredible level. When Rafa got that one time violation (fair enough) they commented on how Rafa had almost finished two sets in an hour and a half! LOL
Petchy should be removed from the booth. He contaminates the viewing experience, and has nothing useful to say about the game.
I consider Rafa an overwhleming fav now (Stan is the real threat I think, I saw a bit of his last match) and rafa/Stan final would be a tremendous thing.
I have been watching it on the Tennis Channel as well… I have only heard praise from everyone except for Mary Carillo who never fails to mention Rafa’s rituals. She is without a doubt a huge Fed fan. I feel that the commentators should keep their opinions to themselves . Commentators should call the game and let the chair umpire do their job. Mary Carillo has a interview with Roger and she’s quite sickening how icky gooey she is with him. Every commercial it’s her interviewing Roger and Mirka running up to him in the hall , hugging & kissing him all over his face after he won the AO. I think that Rafa has been a lot quicker these days, I’m sure that Moya has worked on that with him… I did hear one commentator reference the fact a couple weeks ago…I’m guessing it was in Rome
that Rafa was taking 35 seconds instead of the allowed 20 seconds…That seems awfully strict to me… 20 seconds isn’t even enough to catch your breath after a long rally. Happy Birthday Rafa!
IN general, the commies are Federistas, and you can hear the difference when Fed is playing. Everything he does is “godlike.” Even when Rafa is playing like a god, many commies like to focus on his tics. So inappropriate, biased, and unprofessional.
And most are like this.
The tennis channel was great during Rafa’s match–it was Courrier and someone else I couldn’t identify. The commie I was complaining about was Mark Petchy on SkySports.
I heard both TC and Skysports call the match and the difference was extreme.
I don’t find the commies Skyspsorts have anything illuminating to say at all, they just banter their way through the match. Ditto atp commies like Robbie Koenig.
Darren Cahill is OK (on ESPn) though he never seems to give Rafa the same respect he gives Fed and Djok.
Jmac has some flaws as a commie, but he has always given Rafa his due.
Missed your input. Glad you’re back.
I believe herein lies the problem of the various rules not being enforced across the board by all umpires, and fairness, regarding time limits between points; broken racquets, fowl language, and more. There is no consistency.
The last umpire to challenge Rafa on time limits was Carlos Bernardes, an elite umpire who since then has not officiated at any of Rafa’s matches.
The slams have the 20-seconds rule, and I believe other tournaments have a 25-seconds rule. The ATP Player Council, which is comprised of ATP tennis players, has the right to challenge this rule. You may recall it was the Player Council that managed to get more money for players who are knocked out early in a tournament.
Many players have received warnings and penalties because of the time-limit rule. However, Rafa seems to be the only one who has consistently gone over the alloted time throughout his career. In defense of all players, I can’t see the ATP strictly enforcing the time-limit rule all of a sudden. To deduct points from a player who has breached the rule is quite serious so I am surprised that the matter of time-limits has not been resolved.
RAFA ROCKS
@Souix I forgot to mention that I agree with you on the subject of commentators’ personal opinions. They need to leave them home in their “personal opinion safe.” LOL
RAFA ROCKS
Mark Petchy does not pronounce his ‘t’s’ properly either rafalite. Double reason now to get him off that mike!! When the rain eventually came down later – he was still whining in the studio about time violations!!
Congratulations Rafa.👏👍🎾🤗 That was a slaughter. Sure wish you could do that, up to and including the final.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafa another great win, a day off tomorrow and more importantly your birthday , enjoy your special day and enjoy watching your team play. Good luck on Sunday
Please Rafa, speed up your time when serving because every match now the commentator’s are commenting on it. I didn’t quite catch what the commentator’s said but I heard them say to many time violations and being disqualified in the same sentence . I don’t know if that can happen, but that would be just devestating. Toni and Moya please get this sorted and soon, as the top players will jump on this when they come up against him
maria,
you are worrying too much. Most of these commentators not all of them are anti nadal and pro federer. It depends on the referee. But time violation you get a warning then i think you will lose the point and then you get disqualified. If nadal gets a warning usely he stops this habit because he knows the rules. Otherwise the atp will talk with him about it. Dont be scared
Hi mjus, thanks for clearing that up, phew that’s a relief. I did look up the rules on time violations but couldn’t see anything about being disqualified. Hopefully Rafa can get a grip on it , as I’m fed up every time I watch hearing about it.
OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) HAPPY 31st BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 😉 : ) : ) Congratulations on this classy match and your brilliant TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) Very very happy for you and it is exciting to watch every point you play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) 😉 : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Enjoy everything & have a fantastic beautiful day tomorrow……your special birth date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) My birthday is 3 days after yours, on June 6yj, and I always enjoy celebrating it during the French Open……… We love you sweetheart and very impressed with your unbelievable point by point beautiful victories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Lots of love & happiness sweetheart & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) KEEP SMILING & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) XOXOXO
Distressed to know that David Goffin had to retire due to an ankle injury.
Amalgro, who also had to retire due to an injury while playing. DelPo’s show of comforting him is being televised in the US.
INJURY SUX!!!
We know you can….you make us so proud!!!! Love you Rafa
Carlos Moya spoke in an exclusive interview with El Español about his player Rafael Nadal and their coöperation so far. This year Rafa won three titles and lost three finals.
Asked what he learned from working with Nadal in these first six months, Moya replied, “You always learn things. I am a less experienced coach, but last year with Raonic I learned much and this season with Nadal I am trying to keep doing it. You learn day by day when you know the player more. Although I knew Rafa previously, now I am knowing in another way, more insider. The responsibility is bigger, especially emotionally. Being coach makes you being involved emotionally.”
Q. First of all good friend, then good coach. Is it difficult to have these two roles at the same time?
Moya: We are open and old enough. He is very respectful towards his team so we can speak to him being clear. Rafa accepts very well the things we say because he believes they make him improve.
Q. Who is responsible for Nadal’s success?
MOYA: The magic doesn’t exist, it’s only Nadal’s efforts. He is open to change, he is humble enough to analyze what happened these two years and see because he wasn’t competitive like before. If the player doesn’t allow himself to be helped…you have nothing to do.
I never had any doubt. I know the issues Rafa had. It was very important to speak to him before joining the team. When you speak to a great of all time and you see he is willing… In that moment I knew that if he were injury-free, and he wanted to achieve some good results, everything would have been easier. Triumphs give you the confidence you need. Obviously, if you win it’s much easier to make changes.”
Yes, I remember last year when Mota said that Rafa could be on top again, as long as he stays injury-free. It could happen. It may happen. Carlos also feels that Rafa can stay competitive for three-to-five years more. I wouldn’t be surprised, knowing what a competitor Rafa is. I would be thrilled for him.
CARLOS MOYA ROCKS THE INTERVIEW
Every step closer,vamos,!!!
Buena suerte mi Rafa querido Vamoooooooos Rafa
Rafa, just give it your all to secure a fast SS win. VERY happy to have you back on tour AND winning.
RAFA ROCKS
Vamos Rafa 🙂
Rafa is always so humble. Upsets can happen so he is right not to take any opponent for granted. I was watching the matches today and Tennis Channel’s Mary Carillo said Rafa is the only men’s player she has never seen smash a racket. They were showing a clip on Kyrgios today. Uncle Toni taught Rafa to respect his equipment. I don’t like some of Carillo’s comments but agree with her here. .
VERY BEST OF LUCK RAFA,VAMOS.
VAMOS GREATEST RAFA
Good luck and Vamos Rafa <3