Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Italian Open on Friday with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Serb Dusan Lajovic. The Spaniard, who is defending his title in Rome, was comfortable throughout, only dropping four games to his Serbian opponent.
“First set it was 6-1 but super tough beginning of the match,” Rafa reflected. “I know Dusan can produce great shots; he’s a player with a lot of spin and a lot of power. I needed consistency and to make him play from uncomfortable positions…. To start the tournament with these victories is great news.”
The second seed will next face Diego Schwartzman on Saturday in another late match scheduled for 8.30 PM CET. The Argentine came back from one set down to beat dangerous Pole Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 after two hours and nine minutes.
Rafa is leading 9-0 in the head-to-head ratio against Schwartzman, with seven of those victories coming in straight sets.
Our champ on playing Diego:
“Always has been very tough against him. I know I will have to play well if I’m going to have a chance.”
Rafa broke back… there is still hope…
Rafa’s shots aren’t penetrating the court. Diego’s shots are flat and rocketing through the court. That’s the difference Rafa has NO answers.
First serve percentage 46 in first set and so far 32 in second. Don’t do that against one of, if not the, best second serve returners – unless you want a long rally that you can’t get out of without going for broke and risking an error. Fight, Rafa!
Service is not working…
At least Rafa ia serving first in the second and held serve. There’s hope 🙏🏽
Yes Lorna! 🙏🙏🙏
No hope, Lorna. No hope. Sadly.
But as always, we go point by point, game by game………….day by day……cheers
Yes, there is! You can turn it around, Rafa!
deigo on fire 😐😐😐😐
Come on Rafa! Start fresh from the next set. Vamos💪💪💪
Come on Rafa. Second set reset. Now room fir errors !!!
Ment to say “No room for errors !!!”
Oh dear, my typing is full of typos at the moment. It must be the shock of Rafa being behind in the match ☹
We understand what you are saying Lorna. Happens to all of us.
As for the match there is time to right the ship. Rafa never gives up and neither will we.
Diego is on 🔥 😱 Come on Rafa!!!
According to Open Court there have been three positive Covid tests in the F.O. “bubble” among the qualifiers who are there. Two players and a coach. Not surprising with the situation in France right now. They should forget completely about having any fans.
Rafa has serious problems when rushed.
Who is watching?? only Diego and Theim worry me against Rafa on clay. Not even djoker
Wow! Rafa us being outplayed early on. Diego is taking the ball early and hitting bombs to break Rafa. Come on Rafa!
Rafa’s dad and Francisco Roig are in the stands! I doubt he’s allowed to meet them, but they can be there to cheer him on 👍🏻
Wonder what’s bothering Rafa, he seems off from the third game
Rafa or Diego vs Grigor or Denis is scheduled not before 7pm local time tomorrow, not before 10am pacific time. Love Rafa’s schedule all week!
Good luck to Rafa🍀❤️ Make your H to H against Diego 10 – 0 👍
Marileena, no link.
If Casper starts beating him, ND will have a breakdown. THAT’S WHAT I AM PRAYING FOR.
It may be another half hour or more before Rafa plays. Plishkova just started set decider set in her match.
I just read that ND threw another mini tantrum during today’s match – demolished his racket on court. He said he will probably do it again as it’s his way of blowing off steam. Was rude to the umpire.
I will say this, if he makes it to the final against Rafa I pray Rafa beats him so badly that his head explodes.
Rafa and Diego are on court now😄 Good match Rafa!🎾❤️
👎🤦♀️
🤣
Very well done Rafa, all the best, to reach as a Champion The Rome Open Final, get from The Canaries a Hugh & Graet H U G, C. Javier
“Rafael nadal proved he doesn’t need a racket to show fans his skills with a tennis ball.” This was the introductory comment in a Sun article on Rafa’s foot skills. Check out the video on his keepy uppys as he juggles a tennis ball with his feet, during a Rome quarter final practice session. Fabulous!
More funnies today from Diego on facing Rafa before their QF match.
“At times I was on the verge of complicating things for him and other times I was just not there. From what I have seen these past days it looks as if Rafa can’t be stopped. Has he played secret tournaments in Mallorca? I honestly ask myself that [laughing].
I am very happy to see him on court again because we are very good friends. I am enthusiastic to be facing him. Since the beginning of the week I have been rediscovering sensations, some ups and some downs. Who knows if there will be a surprise because I would love to win.”
[Welovetennis.fr 6 hours ago]
Diego is so endearing. I just love his sense of humour👍🏽
I agree and so is Rafa. His facial expressions are SNL quality; remember when Ubaldo [name?] fell asleep during Rafa’s presser and Rafa was gesturing for everyone to look at Ubaldo? I would love a video compilation of Rafa’s hilarious moments.
These two guys crack me up.
RAFA ROCKS