Nadal clearly shaking off the rust in the first 3 games. Delbonis had a chance to capitalize off of Nadal's tentative start and was 2 pts away from a double break lead (0-2, 0*-30) but ultimately succumbed to Nadal's aura. After Nadal held, Delbonis proceeded to DF 2 times in a row and it was clear that he was getting nervous. Soon after, Nadal found most of his form and started swinging more confidently. Delbonis did well to keep it as competitive as he did, but after Nadal broke to serve for the 1st, it was basically one way traffic after that.
Vina del Mar R2: Nadal is back!!! routines Delbonis 6-3 6-2
06/02/2013, the day tennis was sparked back into life. The Return of the King
Started off shaky, losing serve. But after that, he looked much better than I expected to be honest. Still some sloppy errors, but can you blame him after 7 months of doing nothing? There were some vintage forehands. We should be in for a glorious season
06/02/2013, the day tennis was sparked back into life. The Return of the King
Started off shaky, losing serve. But after that, he looked much better than I expected to be honest. Still some sloppy errors, but can you blame him after 7 months of doing nothing? There were some vintage forehands. We should be in for a glorious season
he was shaky at times, but I agree with you GSMNadal, he was really MUCH much better than I expected. I mean not bad to go 3 and 2 against an ATP player when you've been out of the game for 8 months.
he really began to find his form in the second set. what's great about Nadal is he is so risiliant, he seems like he will be shaking off his rust fairly quickly.
What ranking has this boy ? Rafa should be ashamed if you ask me, He is number 5 and went to play challenger event where these low ranking players try to make something to survive in this sport.Those players can not even play ATP 500 tournament. Does Rafa have a dignity or whatsoever? He is #5 not #105 what the hell is he doing there ? Looking for money,points or glory ?
No need. When he's already at this level after not playing for 7 months, it's scary to think what he'll do to the tour during the real clay court season.
Although I'm a massive Federer fan and not a fan of the style of Rafa's game I have always respected him. And even if Rafa returning to the game will result in more losses for Roger I can honestly admit I missed Rafa these last 7 or 8 months.
So happy to see Rafa back on courts Heis now far from his custom version, but I hope to see him getting better and better day by day. The first serious proove will be an hypothetical match agains Chardy in Viña. ¡Vamos!
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