Tennis
Tennis: Rafael Nadal’s 5 legendary matches
Posted 15 August 2022 at 12:35 by Dan Marciano
Hit in the abs at Wimbledon last July, Rafael Nadal returns to Cincinnati this week. A preparation tournament with the last Grand Slam of the season, the US Open. Titled at Roland-Garros and this year’s Australian Open, the Spaniard could make it past the pass of three and write a new page in his career. A look at the five games that forged the Rafael Nadal legend.
Forced to give up his semifinal a Wimbledon front Nick Kyrgios due to an abdominal tear, Rafael Nadal will come back to CincinnatoI. As soon as he arrived in the United States, the memories of him returned to the fore. “ I am happy to be back here after several years of absence. This is where I first became number 1 in the world, in 2008, a great memory. And obviously the title in 2013 … “ confided the Spanish player at a press conference this Sunday. At 36 he is nearing the end of his career, but he is still just as competitive. Recovered from a new injury, Nadal arrives at the UNITED STATES with the aim of winning Cincinnatibut also aUS Open. In case of victory at the New York, the current world number three would win a 23rd Grand Slam title and write a new page in his legend. Since the beginning of his career, a native of Manacor impresses with his fighting spirit on the pitch. Even in trouble he manages to find the resources necessary to overcome his opponent. Instead Nadal is getting back on track ATP this week, a look at five legendary matches won by the Spanish player.
Tennis: Rafael Nadal is unleashed for his great comeback https://t.co/iAbLrbdzuT pic.twitter.com/4Tdjp8hRrh
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Rafael Nadal against Guillermo Coria (Rome 2005)
In 2004, two young people made headlines. Riccardo Gasquet, presented as the Mozart of French tennis, e Rafael Nadal. The latter had already made a name for himself by winning his first title at 18 Sopot. Very quickly his earthly qualities appeared. His progress was then lightning fast. In April 2005 he won his first major tournament in Montecarlo, beat a surface specialist, William Coria. The rematch will take place at Rome. The two men face off in the final in the Italian capital. At that time, the finals of what were then called the Masters Series were contested in three winning sets. After an intense battle 5:14, Nadal arrived at the end of Coria (6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (8)). At the time, this match was the longest final game on the circuit ATP. A few months later, he won his first Roland-Garros. The beginning of a legendary career.
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer (Wimbledon 2008)
Certainly the most unexpected victory, but also the most epic Rafael Nadal. Contrary to the owner of the place, Roger Federer, the Spaniard was best known as a clay court specialist. But a Wimbledon 2008, the player surprised the Swiss, but also the spectators present on the central court on this early summer day. Very quickly, Nadalthat he had beaten Roger Federer a few weeks earlier Roland-Garros, took the lead. He brought two sets to zero, Roger Federer won two legendary tie-breaks to get back in the game. The last set is a recital of the two players. At the top of their level, the two men fought an exceptional battle. As the sun went down, Nadal finally broke the Swiss to win this historic match (6/4 6/4 6/7 6/7 9/7). That day the Spaniard was no longer seen as a simple player on clay, but as an incredible talent, capable of shaking destiny.
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer (Australian Open 2009)
Psychologically, Rafael Nadal had taken over Roger Federer. Playing almost exclusively on the reverse of Switzerland, the Spaniard had the magic recipe to overcome the Maestro, who intended to take revenge on theAustralian Open 2009. So dolphin of Raphael Nadal, Federer he saw this young talent take over him. The ego was touched, the Spaniard was warned. But also a Melbourne, Nadal he was untouchable. At the end of an epic 5:14 match, the Spaniard won a new Grand Slam title. Impressive for the level of play of him, this match has remained in the legend even for the tears of Federer, very moved during the presentation of the trophies. After consoling his opponent and friend, Nadal let his joy explode.
Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev (Australian Open 2022)
This match is certainly not the best in terms of quality, but it marks the return of Rafael Nadal to the highest level. Handicapped from foot pain in the year 2021, facing the young wolf Daniel Medvedev, managed to overcome the pain to overcome a captivating Russian (2/6 6/7 6/4 6/4 7/5). The central court reserved a standing ovation for the man who later won his 21st Grand Slam title. What he didn’t know was that he would get a double whammy a few months later.
Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic (Roland Garros 2022)
absent for long months, Rafael Nadal is only seeded number 5 in Roland-Garros. He knew it, he was about to face a quarter-final cador, and this cador is Novak Djokovic. In the previous edition the Serbian had managed to defeat the Spaniard in an overheated central court. For observers, Djokovic was the big favorite. Especially that Rafael Nadal he did not hide his doubts about the rest of his career due to recurring foot pains. Many thought that the Spaniard would slow down in this quarter-final. But with the Spanish we still didn’t expect to be surprised. Nadal the game it takes against the world number one comes out. In his garden she finds her level of play and his speed. After 4h12 of play and an ultra intense match, the Spaniard won Djokovic (6/2 4/6 6/2 7/6). A crowd favorite, he won his 14th title in Roland-Garroshis latest trophy.
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