A Nadal on alternating current reaches the last 16 in Madrid!
Despite a number of setbacks, Rafael Nadal made it through to the last 16 in Madrid (6-1, 6-7, 6-3 in 3h03). In a disjointed match, the Spaniard's grit finally allowed him to get the better of a very tough opponent, on a Manolo Santana court.
After a very quiet first set (6-1 in 47 minutes), the Spaniard began to lose his intensity. Less effective on serve and lacking length at the baseline, the Majorcan let his opponent weave his web. Despite being well behind in the second set, Rafa never let up. Making up for his various breaks (3), the Spaniard, alternating between the very good and the very average, finally let his opponent get back on level terms. Ahead throughout the tie-break, the Argentinian succeeded, not without difficulty, in taking the Spaniard into a perilous final set (7-6).
As inconsistent as ever (36 winners and 32 unforced errors throughout the match), the King of the Ochre finally capitalized on his best moments to escape the trap (6-1, 6-7, 6-3). In a match where Nadal was not so far from the exit, the Spaniard showed a little more physical response. Although still a long way from his best tennis, he emerged victorious from a match lasting over 3 hours and, on the face of it, without any major physical problems.
The Spanish public were shaking, but the tribute is still delayed. Pedro Cachin, for his part, may well have a few regrets, as he came very close to the feat of his life.
The Spaniard will now have to digest this long first match, and he'll have to do so quickly, as he'll be back on court tomorrow. On Tuesday, the day of the Round of 16, Rafael Nadal will take on one of the rising stars on the circuit, 22-year-old Jiri Lehecka. The Czech, who ended Monteiro's dream in the third round (6-4, 7-6), will surely be an even tougher test for the Spanish legend. Can he rise to the challenge? Find out on Tuesday.
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