Rafael Nadal leveled Spain’s World Group quarterfinal match against Germany in Valencia with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber.
The world one extended his dominance over Kohlschreiber to 15 wins in 16 matches to keep Spain’s hopes very much alive.
After the match, Rafa said:
It’s positive of course, winning in straight sets, it was a solid match. I feel comfortable back on the clay.
It’s always special to play at home at a Bullring Stadium, it’s very unique.
It’s a great feeling to be back, coming back from injuries is always difficult, but it’s great to be in front of my crowd on a very memorable day. I’m very happy with the match.
Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis
Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis
VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
GRAF7409 València (Comunidad Valenciana), 06/04/2018. El jugador del equipo español, Rafa Nadal, conversa con el capitán, Sergi Bruguera, durante el partido de la primera jornada de la eliminatoria España-Alemania de cuartos de final de la Copa Davis que disputa contra Philipp Kohlschreiber en la plaza de toros de València. EFE/Kai Försterling
VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Photo: Davis Cup
Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks with a official during his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis
Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks with a official during his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis
VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Photo: Davis Cup
Photo: Davis Cup
Spain’s Rafael Nadal puts on his shirt during his match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber during a World Group Quarter final Davis Cup tennis match between Spain and Germany at the bullring in Valencia, Spain, Friday April 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point in his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Finals match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber during a World Group Quarter final Davis Cup tennis match between Spain and Germany at the bullring in Valencia, Spain, Friday April 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis
Photo: Davis Cup
Tennis – Davis Cup – Quarter Final – Spain vs Germany – Plaza de Toros de Valencia, Valencia, Spain – April 6, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber REUTERS/Heino Kalis
VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
(EDITORS NOTE: the image has been converted to black and white) Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates the victory in his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Finals match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Photo: Davis Cup
VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with his teammates following his victory against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Final match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
Photo: Davis Cup
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates the victory in his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during day one of the Davis Cup World Group Quarter Finals match between Spain and Germany at Plaza de Toros de Valencia on April 6, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rafa hasn’t lost a Davis Cup singles rubber since defeat on debut in the competition to Jiri Novak in Spain’s 3-2 victory over Czech Republic in the 2004 World Group first round.
Alexander Zverev had earlier beaten David Ferrer 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in Friday’s opening singles match.
The best-of-five tie will continue with the doubles on Saturday followed by the reverse singles on Sunday.
Congrats Rafa! Good luck to the next match! Vamos💪🍀🎾🍀🎾
I was so happy to see Rafa back on court. Yes, he was rusty as you would expect. His serve % was lower than usual, and he had 7 DF. Also more UFEs, but there was much to like. He had several thrilling shots, and most important, did not look injured. He won in 3 sets too. Sunday’s match should be incredible.
Good Job Rafa,
Vamos Rafa congratulation
So happy to see you back on the court. Vamos Rafa <3
Rafa, here’s to wishing you another victory on Sunday.
RAFA ROCKS LA PLAZA DE TOROS
CCannot find TV coverage of current Davis Cup,,,in Winnipeg , Canada .
So glad you are back. Good luck stay healthy
well done you the game was good and you played great vamos rafa.
Vamos Rafa !!!💪💪💪💪✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️✋️👍👍👍👍👍
Vamos Rafa, Vamos Spain