(AFP) – Rafael Nadal showed no mercy towards an emotional David Ferrer as he eased into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open on Thursday with a straight-sets victory.
Ferrer is set to retire after the Madrid Open next month and made a tearful exit on what was his last appearance at this tournament.
But there was no room for sentiment for Rafa, who won 6-3, 6-3 to take one step closer to a record 12th Barcelona title.
After the match, Rafa said:
In the end it’s Ferrer’s personal decision. He’s on the tennis level to keep playing, he’s had a difficult year with injuries, his level of play is very high. It was me who had to give a major improvement. It was a tough game for me, I wanted to take a step forward, play with energy and a different attitude.
Ferrer:
I’m happy, I gave everything I had, I’m very happy, it’s a dream to finish on this track. I am proud of losing against Rafa.
Rafa will face the winner of Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-finals tomorrow.
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Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to David Ferrer of Spain during his men’s singles match at the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, April 25, 2019
Photo via Getty Images
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Photo via Getty Images
Photo via Getty Images
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Photo via Getty Images
Photo via Getty Images
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Photo via Getty Images
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Photo via Barcelona Open
Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal (L) embraces fellow countryman David Ferrer (R) after his victory in their third round men’s single match at the 67th Barcelona Open tennis tournament, in Barcelona, Spain, Apr. 25, 2019. EPA-EFE/Enric Fontcuberta
Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal (R) greets countryman David Ferrer (L) after his victory in their third round men’s single match at the 67th Barcelona Open tennis tournament, in Barcelona, Spain, Apr. 25, 2019. EPA-EFE/Enric Fontcuberta
Photo via Barcelona Open
Photo via Barcelona Open
Photo via Barcelona Open
Source: AFP
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Adios, Ferru! We shall miss you!
Much better from Rafa today.
Well played
Much better than yesterday but Rafa looks not happy on the court at the moment 🙁 Hopefully everything is ok with his body. Take rest and than good luck for tomorrow. Vamos Rafa <3
All the best to David Ferrer and his wife and little children. Always a great fighter.