Someone does beat Richard Gasquet 15 times in a row.
Rafael Nadal remained perfect against his good friend and fellow 31-year-old, taking his head-to-head record against Gasquet to 15-0 with a 6-3, 6-4 victory during second-round action at the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday night. Nadal saved the only break point he faced and advanced in one hour and 25 minutes.
“I think I played a solid match,” the Spaniard assessed. “I think Richard has a great backhand, and his best shot probably goes against my best shot, too. That probably can make the difference.”
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1duhK0zo6hQ
Regardless of how far Nadal goes this week, the absences of Andy Murray and Roger Federer mean the Spaniard will be No. 1 in the world on Monday. But he hopes to go farther as he bids for a second Cincinnati title.
“I work every day to play better. It’s obvious that was an important start for me–a good one. Now I have another opportunity tomorrow to go on court and play another match. I hope to be ready to play well. I think I can do it, because I have been practicing well.”
Next up for the top seed is compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who is 0-3 in the head-to-head series and 0-6 in total sets.
[polldaddy poll=9810664]
who ya got?
Head to head, Nadal vs Gasquet is 15:0, not 14:0.
yep, fixed! thanks!
Don’t ever take anything for granted, but can’t see ARV landing a punch on Rafa.
rafa in a rollover…but interested in Tiafoe match as well.
Raining hard in Cinci. Doubt Rafa’s match happens today.
Keep your mind focused, remain confident, stay strong and fight courageously, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DHdY0_yXsAAF5h6.jpg
There was a two hour delay, but play has resumed in Cincy. I am not sure what it means for Rafa’s match, which was scheduled to start st 7:00 pm. I assume it will be pushed back.
B1PR (Rafa’s PR Manager) 5 minutes ago: “Starts raining again at the Cincinnati Open. Not sure Rafael Nadal will play his match today. Waiting for further weather improvement”
https://twitter.com/b1pr/status/898350884509319168
W&S Open 5minutes ago:
Revised OOP:
Not Before 10PM
Center – Nadal vs Ramos-Vinolas
Grandstand – Kyrgios vs Karlovic
Stadium 3 – Pliskova vs Giorgi
https://twitter.com/CincyTennis/status/898359380617433088
They still think that they can get these matches played tonight?
W&S Open:
Schedule Update:
No play before 10:50PM.
I just checked ESPN and they showed that it’s still raining. But they said that they are hoping to get the match played tonight. They could be playing until the wee hours. This is insane!
But it would be better if the weather clears up to get the matches done, otherwise it means playing two matches tomorrow.
No way any of the 4 remaining matches will be played tonight with the continuous drizzle! We don’t want to upset the sleep of the players and their QF matches also.
Go back to bed kids…and get up early as I think they plan to start early and finish the pending 4 matches quickly before the regular QF matches can be played.
…And there will be no public to watch. Who will they play for?!lol
…may be not. I see kids working to clean the courts. The rain seems to have stopped!….Just hope no one slips and gets hurt!
W&S Open:
Schedule Update:
Our ballkids and staff are working hard to get the courts ready. No play before 11:20PM
https://twitter.com/CincyTennis/status/898377156203606016
W&S Open 15 minutes ago: “Due to weather, play has been cancelled for the day”
https://twitter.com/CincyTennis/status/898381003730948096
Rafa is through to QFs!!
Vamos Rafa !! ✌ ✌
Fist pump!! ? ?
Rafa’s post-R3 on court interview for ESPN:
https://twitter.com/Rafameila/status/898644579242590208/video/1
Rafa is wearing a black ribbon to honor the victims of Barcelona’s terrorist attack.
Rafa’s post-R3 quotes in EL Espanol, a Spanish newspaper (translated from Spanish by GSS):
Rafa: “I’m very happy with this victory. It’s been a difficult match, under tough conditions because it was quite windy. Overall, I’m happy for being in QF, thouhg tonight I have a very tough match against Kyrgios. I hope to be ready and play at my best level to have chances.”
“What happened in Barcelona yesterday has been something terrible, we’re all shattered here and all over the world. I want to send a message of support to all the victims, their families and friends. And obviously to the city of Barcelona and Spain in general. It’s a huge tragedy that creates doubts and insecurity, but it’s a time to be united and be strong.”
http://www.elespanol.com/deportes/tenis/20170818/239976927_0.html
(QF)
Be focused, be confident, be strong, be brave, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DHjSiTAW0AUS72i.jpg