2011 BNP Paribas Open - ATP Seeds Part I: Rafael Nadal
World Number 1 Rafael Nadal
Spanish tennis player Rafael "Rafa" Nadal is seeded first at the 2011 BNP Paribas Open, also known as the Miami Masters. This prestigious spot has been awarded to him due to his current World Number 1 ranking, a position which he first reached in 2008. The
player is 24 years old, and has been part of the Association of Tennis Professionals since 2001. The left-handed pro is currently coached by his uncle, Toni Nadal.
Nadal first participated in the Miami Masters in 2004, three years after he turned professional. He was ranked World Number 34 at that time, and is one of the few players to be seeded in his debut at a tournament. He received a bye in the first round, and
went on to win one set against Goran Ivanisevic before the Croat retired. Rafa then proceeded to the third round, where he scored an easy victory over former World Number 1 and long-time rival Roger Federer. However, his winning streak was disrupted by Fernando
Gonzalez, who was ranked World Number 22 at the time. Nadal fell to the Chilean player in three sets.
Surprisingly enough, Rafael Nadal has never won a Miami Masters title. He has reached the title match of the event on two occasions, only to be thwarted by Roger Federer in 2005 and Nikolay Davydenko in 2008. His shortest run at the event was in 2006, when
he was ousted by compatriot Carlos Moya in his opening match.
The Spanish pro took part in the 2009 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami as a seeded player two years ago, when he held the top position. He scored wins over Teymuraz Gabashvili, Frederico Gil and Stanislas Wawrinka in his first three matches; however, he
was ouste by Argentine pro Juan Martin Del Potro at the quarterfinals. Del Potro, who was ranked World Number 7 at the time, would go on to win the US Open that year.
Nadal's last showing at the event was in 2010, when he was ranked World Number 4. He received a bye in the first round, and defeated American pro Taylor Dent in his first match. Other conquests at the 2010 Miami Masters included David Nalbandian, David Ferrer
and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. However, his campaign was put to a stop by American World Number 8 Andy Roddick.
This year has not been a particularly successful one for Rafael Nadal. He began his campaign at Doha, falling to Davydenko in the semi-finals. His performance at the Australian Open was a disappointment, as he fell to compatriot David Ferrer in the quarterfinals
of the event. Losing so early meant that he had also given up the chance to record a "Rafa Slam".
The Spaniard has performed well at his current tournament, the 2011 ATP World Tour Masters Indian Wells. He defeated Ivo Karlovic in three grueling sets to qualify for the semi-final event, where he will be facing Juan Martin Del Potro once again.
Tags: