Help
9/6/09 10:43 PM | Kelli DeMario
Rafael Nadal fought his way into the second week of the US Open Sunday afternoon, defeating fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in straight sets. The World No. 3 secures a spot among the final 16.
Third seed Rafael Nadal overcame a scratchy start to his third-round clash with countryman Nicolas Almagro on Sunday. The 23-year-old battled through a host of service breaks as well as a right abdominal strain to notch a win in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4. Nadal successfully extended his head-to-head advantage to 4-0 over Almagro, and is through to the round of 16 for the fourth consecutive year.
Both players had trouble holding serve at the start, each surrendering a trio of breaks to reach 5-5. Nadal pocketed his fourth break at 5-5, following a backhand error from Almagro. The World No. 3, attempting to close the set for a second time, fell behind double-break point at 6-5. Nadal saved both break points, finishing the 7-5, 64-minute set after Almagro launched a forehand long.
The 23-year-old led 3-1 in the second set, aided by a double fault from the 32nd seed. Almagro avoided going down a double-break, then leveled the set at 4-4 on an errant forehand from Nadal. The 24-year-old could not hold serve at 4-4, quickly gifting the break back to Nadal on another double fault. The third seed collected two set points at 5-4, ending set two as Almagro missed a return of serve.
After trailing 0-2, 15-40 in set three, Nadal rallied to recover a break of serve. Both players received medical treatment midway through the set, Nadal for a right abdominal injury previously sustained in Cincinnati. The World No. 3 secured a break of serve at 2-2, courtesy of a sloppy forehand from Almagro. Nadal held serve for the remainder of the match, closing at 6-4 on a backhand winner.
Nadal ended the two-hour and 39-minute contest with 20 winners and 8 of 13 break point opportunities converted. He awaits the winner of the match between 13th seed Gael Monfils and Jose Acasuso.
Tell a friend »
Carrie, thanks posting it.
jean , 9/7/09 11:38 AM
How many times would Rafa need to repeat that he does not like to talk about the injury before these reporters get it?
phoenix , 9/7/09 1:38 PM
I think the more you make it clear that you dont want to talk about it the more the question you about it . Moreover , they then start twisting and turning what has been said in the hopes that you would have to bring it up later and clarify ......its just so annoying ... its simply the reason i always try and look for interviews online before i read about it . It just puts things into perspective .
C'MON !!
USO09...where we celebrate our sweet 16th !
fedexfan , 9/7/09 2:27 PM
http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/2009/09/injury-will-not-ma ke-me-quit-i-am-going-to-give-everything-on-tuesday.html
Rafa Blog!
I guest the term 1 match at a time really applies now(IDK)
alik , 9/7/09 4:41 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
Here is Rafa's after match interview:
Rafael Nadal
Sunday, September 6, 2009THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. What did the doctor say about your injury? Are you worried for the next matches?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, I don't want to talk about injuries. Sorry. No, no, I am a little bit tired to talk about injuries. I am here to try my best every day.
I won the match in three sets, so happy for that. I'm going to try my best next round. That's all.
Q. How motivated are you by the fact this is the only Grand Slam tournament you've never won? Was that a factor in deciding to come back for this tournament?
RAFAEL NADAL: No more motivation than before, no, because is a Grand Slam, no? Is a very big tournament.
So, yeah, the true is, well, is the only one who remains for me of the slams. Yeah, sure if any day I win here is important going to be very important title for me, no?
But you know how tough is everything. Important thing is try my best every year when I come here and wait, feel good.
Q. Was it a factor at all in deciding to come back?
RAFAEL NADAL: Factor of what?
Q. That you've never won.
RAFAEL NADAL: I am playing here. I always played here. I always gonna play here. No one wants to miss another Grand Slam.
Q. You said you didn't want to talk about injuries. Was that your knee or the abdominal situation?
RAFAEL NADAL: I said I don't want to talk about injuries (laughter).
Q. Can you at least talk about how you felt after you got the treatment for the rest of the match?
RAFAEL NADAL: I won 6 4, so you can see I didn't serve very fast. But I think I played better from the baseline than before.
Q. So outside of the serve, where did you feel your level was today?
RAFAEL NADAL: Up and down a little bit, yeah. Almagro played really aggressive. I played a little bit short. I have to play more aggressive for next round, for sure. I gonna do.
Q. Nicolas was playing very tough, especially in the first set. You had problems closing it down. How do you feel about that?
RAFAEL NADAL: I didn't serve very well, no? So he had more chances to attack me on the return.
But, anyway, he was playing very hard, very aggressive. Was difficult for me have the control of the point, no?
But I have to play more aggressive for the next match, sure. For today was enough, so happy for that. I am sure I can do it better.
Q. If you play Monfils, can you talk about that matchup, what you have to do.
RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, I know him and he knows me. I beat him a few times. He beat me one time, I think.
Always tough opponent, no? Very, very fast player with a good serve. Very athletic player. So going to be very difficult match, anyway.
Acasuso, Monfils, they are playing well, going to be difficult.
Q. Near the end he hit a shot that went into the net and he threw his shirt over his head and got a laugh. What was your reaction to that?
RAFAEL NADAL: For what?
Q. When he hit the ball into the net. He put his shirt over his head then smiled at the crowd.
RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, well, he was losing two sets. Yeah, was a limit moment for him, no? Yeah, I think was good, no? He had a good tactic on court today.
Q. We are used to see you much more cheerful, especially after a win. Today you answer as if you're not happy.
RAFAEL NADAL: No, but I know I came here and I know everybody want to talk about the injury. I really don't want to talk about that. That's the thing.
carrie , 9/7/09 10:50 AM