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  • Nadal eases through second round; Troicki next

    8/29/08 7:40 AM | Ricky Dimon
    - Rafael Nadal rolls over Ryler DeHeart in straight sets on Thursday night. He will take on Viktor Troicki, a winner over Philipp Kohlschreiber in round three.

    Rafael Nadal d. Ryler DeHeart 6-1, 6-2, 6-4

    DeHeart did very well for himself in this David-vs.-Goliath affair. The little-known American was playing in his first Grand Slam event and his first ATP-level tournament of the season. As if that wasn't enough, he had to go up against the four-time French Open champion, the current Wimbledon champion, the Olympic gold medalist, and the No. 1 player in the world in front of a packed house in Arthur Ashe Stadium. DeHeart showed some expected early jitters in the first, made Nadal work harder in the second, then stormed to a 3-0 lead in the third before Nadal had to turn it on and put the challenger in his place. The final set featured stellar play from both men and DeHeart left the court with his head held high for good reason. Nadal, meanwhile, did what he had to do and has to be enthused that he spent far less time on the court than he did against Bjorn Phau on Monday. In-form Viktor Troicki is next for the Spaniard.

    Viktor Troicki d. Philipp Kohlschreiber 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-0, ret.

    A drastic turn of events took place in this one. Kohlschreiber took the first with ease, breaking Troicki twice while losing just five points in four service games. From then on, however, it was all downhill for the 25th-seeded German. He sprayed 14 unforced errors in the second, while Troicki, who committed 14 errors in the first, picked up his game considerably. Kohlschreiber visibly began suffering with a shoulder problem in the third and with Troicki still playing well, he really did not have much of a chance. The Serb started off the fourth set with a break and broke serve again in the third game to finish off his opponent. That's when Kohlschreiber called it quits due to the injury, propelling Troicki into a third-round showdown with Nadal.

    Gael Monfils d. Evgeny Korolev 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

    Korolev dug himself into too big of a hole early in the proceedings and never could get out of it. He served at a dismal 35 percent clip in the opening frame of play while hitting 19 unforced errors. That allowed Monfils to break three times, the last of which clinched the set. Monfils let a few errors creep into his game in the second, but continued sub-par serving by Korolev allowed the Frenchman to seize a two-set advantage. The Russian saved all four break points he faced to win a high-quality third set, making things a bit more interesting. In the end however, Korolev's errors were too much to overcome and Monfils took the fourth and final set by losing just seven points in five service games. The No. 32 seed will take on David Nalbandian in round three on Saturday.

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Comments

rafa made only 11 unforced errors, a good sign. Troicki will pose a challenge. he's got a ripping forehand and is oozing with confidence. his play reminds me a bit of Roddick, full of nervous energy, doesn't slow down between points. but he doesn't tug at his sleeves as if he wants to rip them out. I often wonder why Roddick doesn't wear sleeveless tops - his sleeves annoy him so much.

sstay , 8/29/08 2:52 PM


I think that's why he wears sleeveless tops. If he didn't he would be grabbing and nothing would be there!

Plus he might not think he is jacked enough.

RickyDimon , 8/29/08 3:13 PM


well done rafa :-)

RafaNadalGirl20 , 8/29/08 7:35 PM



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