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3/12/11 5:28 AM | Kelli DeMario
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is set to commence his BNP Paribas Open campaign Saturday afternoon, as he faces off against qualifier Rik De Voest. The top seed makes his return to action after a successful Davis Cup effort against Romania.
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal enters into the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells with a 9-2 record, after recording two Davis Cup singles wins last week. The 24-year-old will be competing in his fourth event this season, looking to improve upon a semifinal berth in Doha and a quarterfinal finish at the Australian Open.
Nadal is twice a champion at the BNP Paribas Open, having taken home the top prize in 2007 (def. Djokovic) and 2009 (def. Murray). The 24-year-old advanced to the 2010 final four, before falling to eventual champion Ivan Ljubicic in three sets.
World No. 162 Rik De Voest came through the opening round, following the retirement of opponent Pere Riba. The 30-year-old qualifier is bidding for his first second-round appearance at the BNP Paribas Open.
Prediction: Nadal in straight sets.
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Vaaaaaammmmmmmmoooooooooooosssssss Rafa!
nadline , 3/12/11 9:00 PM
Yes.
Good Luck Rafa!
gorafago , 3/12/11 11:36 PM
Rafa won the first set 6-0! He is looking great. That big serve is back and he is going for those crosscourt backhands. He hit a 130 mph serve and has been hitting in that range. This kid can't really trouble Rafa and the wind seems to be bothering his serve. He really has no weapons to use against Rafa.
This will be almost too easy, but it's good for Rafa to get the feel of the court and more match play. You can't always tell a lot against someone like this kid, but the quality of Rafa's shots are quite good and he seems focused and ready to go for it here!
Vamos, Rafa!
Nativenewyorker , 3/13/11 3:25 AM
I am glad that the opponent was not tough for Rafa and he did not need to spend much energy to win his first match.
Congratulations to Rafa on the victory today!
Vamos!
Augustina08 , 3/13/11 4:11 AM
Nice and easy win for Rafa...and he was especially cute tonight...he looked so handsome, or it is just me who was for once able to analyze his face given the match was not competitive and I did not feel stressed at all...VAMOS RAFA!!!
natashao , 3/13/11 4:11 AM
natashao,
No, it's not just you! He was incredibly handsome tonight in his orange shirt. It's a good time to just look at that face, when the match is as non competitive as it was tonight.
I counted four double faults and that's unusual for Rafa, however, I noticed that it was gusting and really windy. That usually doesn't trouble Rafa, but he may need to get used to it again. He was blasting big serves throughout the match, which was nice to see.
At one point Rafa hit a backhand down the line winner that hit the line perfectly. I love seeing him go for his backhand shots. He was hitting that wicked crosscourt backhand all throughout the match. That's a good sign, because when he's feeling confident that's the shot he will look for all the time.
Yes, Rafa needed an easy match to start off the competition. He will face either Sweeting or Monaco. I think that should be more challenging, but definitely doable. His draw seems to have opened up nicely. I believe that Ferrer lost to Ivo! I had to check that result twice, because I couldn't believe my eyes! Murray also lost to Donald Young and Baggy is out, too!
Yikes, what a day!
Nativenewyorker , 3/13/11 4:31 AM
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Enjoy the game, Rafa! Vamos!
Augustina08 , 3/12/11 8:10 PM