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3/15/11 1:53 AM | Kelli DeMario
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is through to the final 16 at the BNP Paribas Open, by virtue of his straight-set victory over American qualifier Ryan Sweeting. The top seed made the fourth round for the sixth consecutive year.
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal improved to 2-0 lifetime against third-round opponent Ryan Sweeting, having downed the American 6-3, 6-1 late Monday afternoon. The 24-year-old held eight straight service games without facing a break point.
Nadal earned a service break at 3-2, aided by a forehand error from Sweeting. The Mallorcan controlled the groundstroke rallies to reach set point at 5-2. After missing two set points, Nadal closed to 6-3 with a well-timed ace.
The World No. 1 continued his effort into the second set, taking service breaks in the opening game and at 3-1. Match point came at 5-1 for Nadal, who ended the 69-minute contest as Sweeting gifted a double fault.
“I didn't play really impressive, but I played solid,” said Nadal. “I didn't have big mistakes. I think today the more positive thing is I finished much better than the beginning of the match.
“In general, I’m happy with the serve, happy with the backhand. Forehand is always my best shot, and I need to be aggressive to have good chances to be in the right position to have a good tournament.”
Nadal completed the day with 95% of his first-service points captured and four of 7 break points converted.
He is slated to face qualifier Somdev Devvarman for a place in the quarterfinal. Devvarman held on to defeat Xavier Malisse in the third round, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(5).
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Is Sweeting a good enough player to gauge Rafa's form?
He felt very at ease during the match. It's good to see.
Shireling , 3/15/11 10:09 AM
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Rafaaaaa!
4R for the 6th consecutive year. He's starting to rack up those appearances like Roger and his endless (well, they were - I do not like the Sod *frowns*) semifinals.
Vamos!
mara002 , 3/15/11 7:51 AM