Rafael Nadal finally got the better of nemesis David Nalbandian at Indian Wells last night.
The world's top baller came back from a set and a break down to defeat Nalby 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-0 in the tourney's fourth round. Rafa saved five total match points in the second set - four on his own serve at 4-5 and one on the Argentine's. It was his first win over Nalby in three tries and the Mallorcan Matador will now face Juan Martin del Potro for a spot in the final four.
I guess Rafa was determined to end this streak with Nalby and he certainly put a stamp on the match by serving the Argentine a bagel. Oooh yummy!
(image via getty)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
PHOTO OP: Rafa wipes the slate clean, earns first win over Nalby
Labels: Indian Wells, photo op, Rafael Nadal, tennis
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I thought Nadal was a little lucky that Nalbandian tightened up during the crucial moments but credit to him for not giving up. On another note I think Rfed should have Tivo-ed the first set and 3/4 which is a tutorial on how to beat nadal effectively. Anyway, can't wait for the Federer vs Fernando match which I am sure will be scintillating.
ReplyDeleteOOh adding insult to injury...carbs is the last thing Nalby needs.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to do what Nalbandian did to "this" Rafa because he had no self belief in the beginning. Rafa was lucky for sure when Nalby served for the set. After that, the vamos and grunting returned and the real Rafa showed up. Finally!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling Fed loses to Hot Sauce.
I thought it was a demonstration of how mentally capable Rafa his. You can break his serve but not his mind nor his will.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
I don't think Tivoing the match would help Fed unless he can learn to play a 2 handed backhand. Nalby has the best 2 handed backhand in the tour bar none.
Oops. his should be *is*. Stupid keyboard.
ReplyDeleteThis match was fucking RIDICULOUS!!! Like ridiculous in the best way (if you were cheering for Rafa anyways). Seriously, you can NEVER count him out. It's absolutely insane. I was so impressed with Rafa because he was super frustrated with himself in the first set and actually most of the second as well. Nalby was on fire and without a doubt playing much better than Rafa. It was not looking very promising for a Rafanatic...but then he played every single one of those match points with some fierce determination. He wanted to play a third set sooooo bad. And I thought to myself, "If he ties this match up at 5-5, this shit is so NOT over!!" And it wasn't. However, I totally was not expecting that bagel in the 3rd. What a fucking ca-RAZY match. Sorry, f-bombs are needed to describe what went on out there last night :) VAMOS RAFA!!
ReplyDeletePamela: I think Hot Sauce is gonna bring his spicy game to that match with Fed. Muy caliente!! ;)
Nalbandian lost this match in the second set because of his poor serving. All credit to Rafa, he clearly won the mental game which hovers above every court. Nalbandian was running away with it at that point, but Nadal ripped it away from him late in that second set.
ReplyDeleteit seems pretty crazy, match points then a bagel - you're allowed the f-bombs. wish i coulda watched this.
ReplyDeleteyeah, so typical in tennis - it's not about how many points you win but which ones and when, huh?
ReplyDeletethis match was the epitome of that. rafa has that ability stay in it even though he's behind and to keep the pressure on someone until they finally crack.
he just doesn't go away - you have to beat him outright because he won't beat himself.
Nalby choked like crazy and got a bagel instead of donuts.
ReplyDeleteLoved how Jim Caviezel (sitting next to Rafa's box) was cheering like mad for Rafa.
ReplyDeleteSame intense eyes in those two guys.
yeah i wonder how they know each other. i mean, i have my Rafantasies.
ReplyDeleteHazel: yeah, have been having thoughts long ago for fed to develop a double handed backhand for those high bouncing nadal balls but I rmb Fed saying he can't hit a double handed for nuts. haha I would say Murray has just a good a backhand as well that do the same damage against Nadal. That's why he has been having so much success against rafa.
ReplyDelete