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ATP Barcelona: Rafael Nadal struggles to win against Ilya Ivashka

Rafael Nadal just prevented a false start in Barcelona. The Spaniard celebrated a comeback victory against Ilya Ivashka after losing the opening set.

by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Apr 21, 2021, 06:41 pm

Rafael Nadal escaped the opening failure in Barcelona
© Getty Images
Rafael Nadal escaped the opening failure in Barcelona

Rafael Nadal hadn't imagined the start of his home tournament in Barcelona , to which the Spaniard had come with a bitter quarter-final defeat in Monte Carlo, at all. His first opponent, the Belarusian Ilya Ivashka, bravely started - despite the clear outsider role - in the second round duel with the clay court king from Mallorca.

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The Spaniard seemed anything but expected that. Ivashka should put his stamp on the first round and finally win it 6: 3. A sensation was in the air. But not for too long: Nadal found the game much better in set two and gradually showed his usual dominant clay court tennis. And was successful: With 6: 2, the 34-year-old managed to equalize the set.

Nadal manages the decisive break in set three

In the third round, an open exchange of blows developed initially. Ivashka was able to dominate his service games and advanced 3-2 - but then Rafael Nadal was suddenly wide awake. The 20-time Grand Slam champion made his serve easily and then broke the Belarusian. The preliminary decision in this game: With 6: 4 Nadal made the victory - and thus the round of 16 perfect.

The winner of the game between Kei Nishikori and Cristian Garin is now waiting in this. The latter is probably the slight favorite in the match-up with the former top 10 player from Japan - especially since Garin is an absolute clay court specialist. The Monte Carlo winner Stefanos Tsitsipas starts the race as number two in Barcelona. Nadal conqueror Rublev is number three in the tournament.

Here here for the draw of Barcelona!

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by Michael Rothschädl

Wednesday
Apr 21, 2021, 06:40 pm
last edit: Apr 21, 2021, 06:41 pm