Rafael Nadal is back in action for the first time since his quarterfinal loss to Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open. He will meet Pablo Andujar on Tuesday in Acapulco. Also in action is Felix Auger-Aliassime.
(1) Rafael Nadal vs. Pablo Andujar
If you’re a Spanish player, it’s not good news to see Rafael Nadal on the other side of the net. In fact, the last time Nadal was beaten by a countryman in a contested match (not a walkover) was back in 2016. He lost a shocker to Fernando Verdasco in a first-round upset at the Australian Open. Since then it’s been Nadal–literally every time.
Nadal had a slightly disappointing start to the season. The now-world No. 2 was knocked out of the Australian Open by a red-hot Dominic Thiem, who went on to lose out on the title to Novak Djokovic. Nadal took his customary February break and comes into Acapulco rested but perhaps a bit rusty.
Pablo Andujar is ranked No. 54 in the world. He is an anemic 2-6 on the season so far, clearly not yet working himself into any kind of consistency. He’s also facing down a 0-3 head-to-head record against Nadal. This one has a one-sided Nadal victory written all over it.
Cheryl pick: Nadal in 2 losing 5-7 games
Ricky pick: Nadal in 2 losing 5-7 games
[crowdsignal poll=10510466]
(4) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. (LL) Alex Bolt
Felix Auger-Aliassime has been busy over the past couple of weeks. He comes into Acapulco straight off a run to the final of Marseille, where he lost in straight sets to Stefanos Tsitsipas. After his Sunday final, he made his way to the western coast of Mexico and will take the court on Tuesday.
Alex Bolt was forced to qualify for the tournament due to this 137th ranking. And he wasn’t technically successful in qualifying this week but managed to make his way into the draw as a lucky loser. He’s only taken on Auger-Aliassime once–but it was last month in Adelaide.
Given Auger-Aliassime’s probable fatigue after playing back-to-back events on different continents, Bolt will have a better chance than he ordinarily would–but this match should still go the Canadian’s way.
Cheryl pick: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Ricky pick: Auger-Aliassime in 2
[crowdsignal poll=10510464]
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Nadal match is NID, Andujar is a total non factor on hard, Nadal loses no more than 2 games.
FAA’s match looks like a mismatch on paper, but Bolt will put up a good front I suspect, plus FAA has to be fatiguing with all the tennis and the long flight he just had, I wonder if he will actually play again, FAA in 3 tough sets though.
Tomorrow’s other picks: Uchiyama over Lu, Novak over Guneswaran, Cilic over Paire, Krajinovic over Sousa, Hurkacz over Bublik, Fognini over Evans, Nishioka over Herbert, Basilashvili over Berankis, Tsitsipas over Carreno-Busta, Bautista-Agut over Struff.
Rafa cruises; AA in 2.
Stay focused, remain confident and enjoy the game, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERpIVIMXYAEtWFU?format=jpg
Rafa wins in straights! A bit raggedy in spots, but…Paul Annacone (tennis channel commie) gave Rafa a B+. I’d give him a C+. He’s gonna have to pick it up. One positive: Rafa managed to serve it out on his first attempt, something he doesn’t do that often these days.