Rafael Nadal continues his bid for a first title of 2019 on Friday at the Madrid Masters when he comes up against Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals.
Date: May 10, 2019
Match time: Not before 9.30 PM local time / 3.30 PM EDT – New York, Montreal / 8.30 PM BST – United Kingdom / 9.30 PM CEST – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / Saturday – 5.30 AM AEST – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
Rafa on playing Stan:
It’s a tough one. He’s one of the best players on the world and likes to play on these conditions: fast altitude, big serve, big shots. So this kind of match that I need to play my best. I need to add something else and I hope to be ready to make that happen.
Stan on facing Rafa:
It’s a challenge to play him on the clay court. I have played him many times. It’s always difficult to play him.
I’m happy the way I’m playing so far. I’m happy to be in the quarter-finals again, gaining confidence little by little. I know I’m playing well. I know I’m physically good, so we will see.
Rafa is in the Madrid quarter-finals for the 14th time in the last 15 years. That includes one of the
Spaniard’s five title runs in 2013, when he defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-4 in the final.
Our champ has dominated his head-to-head rivalry with the Swiss No. 2, sweeping the first 12 matches and 26 sets. Wawrinka rebounded to take three of his next four meetings with Rafa, including a clay win at 2015 Rome. But Rafa now leads 17-3 after winning the last four matches and nine sets.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Source: ATP Tour
I have not seen any comments from Margo. Oh well……
I have a feeling the ‘Rafarinka’ match will be another Rafanini – a repeat of Rafa vs Fognini
Stan is currently in great shape and has been winning easily without dropping a set…….ditto Rafa.
Its a tough call, but something tells me Stan the Man will triumph. I say Stan for the win: 6-2, 4-6, 7-5
But as always, we’d see……cheers
Rafa Rocks!
All the best champ.
I hope Rafa hits with more depth and topspin esp his FH. He needs that to beat Stan, who simply hits with so much easy power and depth, and good from both wings.
Imo, a TOP form Stan > a TOP form Thiem; both play similar style, in fact I feel Thiem is the younger version of Stan; but Thiem hits with more effort putting into every shot, whilst Stan’s shots seem more effortless in comparison.
Rafa really needs his topspin CCFH to be firing well against Stan, for when he hits it well (with enough depth and topspin), those righty SHBH opponents would have nightmares facing him.
What an amazing QF line-up.
Sure is!! Fantastic day of tennis tomorrow! Wish I was home all day to watch every match!
Good job today. Take rest and all the best for tomorrow. Vamos Rafa <3