ATP Tour - Nadal fights back in Rotterdam
Eurosport - Thu, 12 Feb 00:02:00 2009
World number one Rafael Nadal fought back from a set down to overcome Italy's Simone Bolelli 4-6 6-2 7-5 in the first round of the World Indoor Tournament in Rotterdam.
"This is one the fastest courts I played on the last year and I was difficult to pick up my rhythm also because he played so fast," Nadal said.
"But later on I improved, aimed more on my forehand and served better."
Bolelli converted the only break opportunity he created on Nadal's service game to clinch the first set but dropped games on his own serve twice in the next set.
Nadal, in his first match since beating Roger Federer in the Australian Open final, wasted 12 break points, including two match points in the 10th game of the final set but converted his third two games later.
"Everyone is talking about pressure after I won a tournament but I just feel less pressure after such a good year like 2008," added Nadal, who will face 17-year-old Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov on Thursday in the second round.
"Dimitrov can be a top player in the future and he will be motivated playing against the world's number one, something I experienced in 2004 in Miami, so I expect a tough match."
Earlier on Wednesday, Frenchmen Gilles Simon and Jo-Winfried Tsonga reached the second round following straight-sets wins over Philipp Kohlschreiber and Jesse Huta Galung.
Mikhail Youzhny, winner in Rotterdam in 2007, beat David Ferrer 6-2 3-6 6-2 while third seed Nikolay Davydenko was stunned by Julien Benneteau of France 6-3 6-2.
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Comment 1 - 10 of 10
Rafa, I love your tennis!!
risimko - i just realized u were talking in behalf of Nadal. We're together then. Pardon me for the soft mistaken attack. I guess i didn't read your comment well. Thumbs up buddy! We all say , 'go Nadal, go Nadal, go Nadal.'
risimko - i just realized u were talking in behalf of Nadal. We're together then. Pardon me for the soft mistaken attack. I guess i didn't read your comment well. Thumbs up buddy! We all say , 'go Nadal, go Nadal, go Nadal.'
Risimko - i honestly respect your observation. No qualms at all. If you're in love with Roger so be it pal! He's good only i like Nadal. He has a lot of drive you know. I'm not taking anything away from Federer but his days are over as the No.1 Off cause, he'll make things hard for my man but trust Rafael he'll pull a magic when you least expect it. Hope Federer brings the best out of the ace tennis player now, anytime they meet on the court.
Scortita - well he is on the winning wave, finally made it to the no.1 spot after all those years and has a perspective to rule the tennis for couple of years. Absolutely normal situation. Nadal is somewhere there where Federer has been in 2004. Overwhelmingly winning with everyone, collecting grandslams and a good perspective. I keep my fingers crossed I think Nadal will make a history in the years to come. Roger can only make it harder for him but tables will not turn in Federer's favor anymore.
He's impressive to me than Rogger Federrer. I like his finishing and his superb forehand. He's lifting long tennis high than expected. Very soon the game will be almost at pie with Football - thanks to Nadal.
He is the man!
Dimitrov will suffer a terrible defeat by Nadal. The real test for no.1 will be in Tsonga or Monfils later on if they go through. Suprised that Davydenko didn't make it though.
How likely is it that Nadal will lose to Dimitrov in the next round?
love u much Rafa!
keep up the good work nadal your humbleness will go along way i love you, its me lyza fr.singapore
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