Dominic Thiem ends Rafael Nadal’s 17-win streak in Rome triumph

On May 19, 2017May 19, 2017 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos29 Comments

(Eurosport) – Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal is out of the Italian Open after a straight-set defeat by Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals. It is Rafa’s first defeat of the season on clay and only the third and fourth sets that he has dropped on clay across the entire season. It also brings to an end Rafa’s run of 17 straight victories.

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a shot during his quarter final match against Dominic Thiem of Austriain The Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2017 at Foro Italico on May 19, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (May 18, 2017 – Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to Dominic Thiem of Austria during their quarter-final tennis match at the ATP Tennis Open tournament on May 19, 2017 at the Foro Italico in Rome..Austria’s Dominic Thiem sent Rafael Nadal crashing out of the Rome Masters with a 6-4, 6-3 quarter-final victory, ending the Spaniard’s 17-match winning run. / AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (May 18, 2017 – Source: AFP)

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after a point during his quarter-final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during the ATP Tennis Open tournament on May 19, 2017 at the Foro Italico in Rome..Austria’s Dominic Thiem sent Rafael Nadal crashing out of the Rome Masters with a 6-4, 6-3 quarter-final victory, ending the Spaniard’s 17-match winning run. / AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (May 18, 2017 – Source: AFP)

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during his quarter final match against Dominic Thiem of Austriain The Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2017 at Foro Italico on May 19, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (May 18, 2017 – Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain slips during the men’s quarter-final match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on Day Six of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2017 at Foro Italico on May 19, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (May 18, 2017 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain runs to catch a ball as he plays against Dominic Thiem of Austria during their quarter-final tennis match at the ATP Tennis Open tournament on May 19, 2017 at the Foro Italico in Rome..Austria’s Dominic Thiem sent Rafael Nadal crashing out of the Rome Masters with a 6-4, 6-3 quarter-final victory, ending the Spaniard’s 17-match winning run. / AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (May 18, 2017 – Source: AFP)

Rafael Nadal of Spain leaves the court after he lost his quarter-final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during the ATP Tennis Open tournament on May 19, 2017 at the Foro Italico in Rome..Austria’s Dominic Thiem sent Rafael Nadal crashing out of the Rome Masters with a 6-4, 6-3 quarter-final victory, ending the Spaniard’s 17-match winning run. / AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (May 18, 2017 – Source: AFP)

The Austrian was dominant in the opening set as he raced into a 5-1 lead. Rafa regained some composure and managed to fight back to 5-4 but he couldn’t prevent Thiem taking the set. The pair served out the opening six games of the second but Rafa found a break and hold in the seventh and eighth to open up a 5-3 lead. He then break Rafa’s service game again to secure a memorable victory.

Source: Eurosport

Rafael Nadal through in Rome after Nicolas Almagro retires

On May 17, 2017 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos, Video17 Comments

(AP) — Rafael Nadal’s winning streak was extended to 16 matches when Nicolas Almagro retired in the first set on Wednesday at the Italian Open.

He is a great champion, but @RafaelNadal is also a great sport too….👍#ibi17 pic.twitter.com/NErvQkb2N2

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 17, 2017

Rafa was leading 3-0, 15-30 when Almagro bent over and grasped his left knee. Our champ went over to Almagro’s side of the net to ask what was wrong and consoled his opponent. Almagro then got some medical attention at his chair but quickly retired from the second-round match.

Rafael Nadal advances in Rome as Nicolas Almagro quits (3)

Rafael Nadal advances in Rome as Nicolas Almagro quits (4)

Rafael Nadal advances in Rome as Nicolas Almagro quits (2)

Rafael Nadal advances in Rome as Nicolas Almagro quits (1)

Rafa has won consecutive clay-court tournaments in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. He’s aiming for an eighth title at the Foro Italico as he prepares for the French Open, which starts in less than two weeks.

Rafa will next face either 13th-seeded Jack Sock or Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic.

Source: The Associated Press

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal to face Novak Djokovic after Madrid Open win over David Goffin

On May 12, 2017May 12, 2017 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos, Rafael Nadal9 Comments

(AP) – Rafael Nadal booked a semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open after a comfortable last-eight win over David Goffin on Friday.

Rafa took just under two hours to see off the Belgian 7-6(3), 6-2 and move closer to a third straight title after wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

But if he is to progress Rafa must get the better of Djokovic, who eased into the semi-finals after scheduled opponent Kei Nishikori withdrew with a wrist injury.

Our champ claimed the first break in the second game of the second set and maintained his recent momentum to earn what was ultimately a comfortable win.

Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his match against David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his match against David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after beating David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating David Goffin of Belgium during day seven of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (May 11, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

After the match, Rafa said:

It was a beautiful game, we both played at the very highest level and there were great points for everyone to see.

He (Goffin) demands the most of you, he’s one of the best in the world, one of the candidates to win the most important trophies.

I knew I was playing well in the first set but I just couldn’t take my chances. Winning is very important but also the way I’m playing at the moment makes me very relaxed.

Source: AP

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal Makes Winning Start in Monte Carlo

On April 19, 2017April 19, 2017 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos, Rafael Nadal52 Comments

(AP) — Defending champion Rafael Nadal withstood a determined comeback from Britain’s Kyle Edmund to win 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday.

The fourth-seeded Rafa is aiming for a 10th title in Monte Carlo and looked to be coasting until Edmund found his range with huge forehands. The third set was intense, with three straight breaks of serve from 2-2, until the nine-time French Open champion drew on his vastly superior experience on clay.

Rafa’s relief was evident when he secured victory on his first match point.

After Edmund patted a return into the net, Rafa tilted his head back and raised his arms in the air. The next match could be tough, too.

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain in his second round match on day four of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 19, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 18, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain in his second round match on day four of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 19, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 18, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain in his second round match on day four of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 19, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 18, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

Photo by Monaco Info

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain in his second round match on day four of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 19, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 18, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain in his second round match on day four of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 19, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 18, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his three set victory against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain in their second round match on day four of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 19, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 18, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

He faces 14th-seeded Alexander Zverev, the 19-year-old German who pushed him to five sets in the third round at this year’s Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal defeats Jack Sock to reach Miami Open semi-finals

On March 30, 2017March 30, 2017 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos20 Comments

Four-time Miami Open runner-up Rafael Nadal advanced to the semifinals by beating American Jack Sock 6-2, 6-3. His next opponent will be Fabio Fognini.

Rafa committed only 12 unforced errors against the No. 13-seeded Sock, rallied from a break down in the second set and improved his lifetime record against Americans to 60-9. Our champ was able to save six of seven break points earned by Sock as he kept control of the contest.

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves the ball during a match against Jack Sock at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 16, 2017 – Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Sweat drips from Rafael Nadal of Spain during a match against Jack Sock at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 28, 2017 – Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during a match against Jack Sock at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 16, 2017 – Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during a match against Jack Sock at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 28, 2017 – Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a backhand shot during a match against Jack Sock at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 28, 2017 – Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during a match against Jack Sock at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 28, 2017 – Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal defeats Jack Sock to reach Miami Open semi-finals (3)

Rafael Nadal of Spain gestures after winning the match against Jack Sock at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 29, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 16, 2017 – Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

Rafa has never won in Miami despite being a four-time finalist, and his win opens up the possibility of a meeting in the final with Roger Federer.

Sources: AP/AFP

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal beats Nicolas Mahut to reach last eight in Miami

On March 28, 2017March 29, 2017 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos, Rafael Nadal19 Comments

Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Miami Open following a routine straight set win over Nicolas Mahut on Tuesday.

Rafa was simply too good for Mahut, taking never facing a breakpoint in his 6-4, 7-6(4) win on the hard courts of Miami.

Rafa put together a near perfect display, notching up 26 winners and just 11 unforced errors and was easily able to counter Mahut’s serve and volley game plan.

Sweat drips from Rafael Nadal of Spain’s head in his match against Nicolas Mahut of France at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Nicolas Mahut of France during the Miami Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his match against Nicolas Mahut of France at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning a point against Nicolas Mahut of France at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his match against Nicolas Mahut of France at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Nicolas Mahut of France during Day 9 of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point against Nicolas Mahut of France during Day 9 of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Nicolas Mahut of France at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 28, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 27, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

The opening set was a tight one, with neither earning a breakpoint until the ninth game, where an error gave Rafa an opportunity. Rafa did not need a second invitation and broke to go 5-4 up, after which he served out the set in dominant fashion.

The second set unfolded in a similar vein, with the duo swapping service games until the tiebreaker. But as per usual, Rafa was superb in the big moments and moved to a 5-2 lead before taking the set and the match.

Rafa will face rising star Jack Sock in the quarter-finals.

Source: Fox News

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal enjoys a win in his 1000th career match

On March 27, 2017March 27, 2017 By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos18 Comments

Rafael Nadal celebrated his 1,000th tour level match with a come-from-behind victory over German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber to reach the fourth round of the Miami Open on Sunday.

World number 31 Kohlschreiber was on fire early, ripping through the first set in only 21 minutes but Rafa flipped the switch and turned the match on its head to prevail 0-6 6-2 6-3 on the main stadium hard court at Crandon Park.

Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 25, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Philipp Kohlscreiber of Germany during Day 7 of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 25, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on against Philipp Kohlscreiber of Germany during Day 7 of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 25, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany during the Miami Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 25, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 25, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

RafaRafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 25, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America) el Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, 2017 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (March 25, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images North America)

It was the first time Rafa had failed to win a game in the first set of an ATP tour match since 2008, the ATP said.

Rafa ignited the near-capacity crowd with a typically determined comeback to clinch his 822nd career victory. He joins a small group of 11 players headed by Jimmy Connors (1,535) to have played at least 1,000 matches.

One thousand matches is a lot of matches. Obviously that’s good news because that says I am having a long career. During a lot of years, I heard that I’m going to have a short career, so it’s something important for me. I remember the first match very well because it was at home in Mallorca. It was my first victory on the ATP and was a great feeling.

Rafa said he had not done much wrong in the first set against an opponent who was in the zone.

He was doing everything good, so that’s sport. I lose the set because he was playing too good. That’s it. But a match is long and the positive thing is I held the pressure well this afternoon after a very tough first set. I resisted well in the first few games of the second set and then I think I played a great second and third set.

Source: Reuters

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