Help
4/23/09 8:03 PM | Ricky Dimon
Rafael Nadal crushes Christophe Rochus 6-2, 6-0 in the Barcelona third round on Thursday afternoon. It is Nadal's second victory over Rochus this season.
For the second time this year, Rafael Nadal refused to give up more than two games in any set against Christophe Rochus. Nadal, who eased past Rochus 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Australian Open, blew out the 5'7'' Belgian 6-0, 6-2 in just 55 minutes on Thursday afternoon.
Nadal never encountered any trouble whatsoever in this one. He put in 71 percent of his first serves throughout the first set and lost just four points in four service games. The world No. 1 won more than half of the points against Rochus' second serve and he used two breaks to roll through the opening frame of play 6-2.
Even that could have been considered an act of generosity on the Spaniard's part. Rochus was even more overwhelmed in set two and he failed to win even a single game. Nadal lost six points one his own serve, but continued to abuse his opponent's second offerings and won nine of 11 second-serve return points en route to breaking three more times.
Next would have played David Nalbandian in the quarterfinals. But the Argentine, a straight-set winner over Nadal's countryman Nicolas Almagro, has withdrawn due to a hip injury. Nadal will contest his semifinal on Saturday against either Radek Stepanek or Nikolay Davydenko.
Tell a friend »
Looks like his service percentage yesterday and today was much stronger than last week. And a day of rest tomorrow.
Davydenko will not be so easily beaten but with a bit of doing Nadal might finish the week with not too much strain from this week's portion of the strenuous clay / grass schedule.
chlorostoma , 4/23/09 8:45 PM
One word *WOW*
TopDog , 4/23/09 8:47 PM
Rochus is like a shish kebab on a grill against Nadal. He had about a good a chance of winning as a tricycle does versus a Ferrari. Easy.
JordanJabbar , 4/23/09 10:45 PM
It was NOT the Rochus who upset Gasquet. He was very much intimidated.
agf25agf , 4/24/09 1:09 AM
Nadal blasts Rochus who is Nr. 61!!
fofe , 4/25/09 5:28 PM
Fofe
VERY good observation.... Rochus is No61 in the world, but what is your point. The article is just stating a fact. Nadal blasted Rochus of this planet.
That he is number 61 in the world does no make it any less of an achievment.
TopDog , 4/25/09 6:55 PM
I don't get fofe's post either
No. 61 is GOOD for Rochus. Highest he has been in a while.
RickyDimon , 4/25/09 7:20 PM
Scan QR code to access Unibet mobile.
Bet on Sports wherever you are and whenever you like, with Unibet's quick and simple mobile client you can place bets, check results and see live odds.
For more info about QR codes & scanners click here.
Contact us
/ About us
/ Cookies
/ Recommended links
/ Advertise
/ Sitemap
Tennistalk v1.5.0
Disclaimer © 2001-2012, Moneytainment Media Ltd - All rights reserved
Awesome display from Nadal! I don't see anyone standing in his way of winning another Barcelona title.
fjb07143 , 4/23/09 8:36 PM