Rafael Nadal blows away Ryan Sweeting to reach the third round – Wimbledon Championships 2011
Spanish domination prevailed with its maximum effect on the fourth day of the Wimbledon Championships, as the world number one, Rafael Nadal of Spain, crushed down the Ryan Sweeting of the United States in the second round clash on Wednesday.
The defending champion took just two hours and seven minutes to dispose of Sweeting in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, to make a spot in the third round of the Grand Slam event at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, England.
It was a one-sided contest, with Nadal beating his opponent in every segment of the game. The American competitor proved a total mismatch for the belligerent top seed, utterly failing to pose any serious challenge in the entire matchup.
Nadal had already defeated Sweeting in the Australian Open this year and then again at Indian Wells in straight sets. The mighty Rafa has won three ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) singles titles this year, including the prestigious Roland Garros championship earlier this month and is hot favourite for winning the Wimbledon title as well.
The Spaniard’s victory on Wednesday was a magnificent exhibition of sheer class and brilliance to drive Sweeting out of the of the mega event. Rafa served with 70 per cent precision, securing 42 out of 54 first serve points and firing nine aces in the match to clinch victory. His win was greatly assisted by the American opponent, who coughed 25 unforced errors, including 10 costly double faults in the contest.
Due to rainy weather conditions, Wimbledon officials decided to hold the match under the new roof of the Centre Court, making the conditions more humid and hotter for the contestants.
“It was a new experience for me (under the roof), a good experience. But the tournament is outdoor, not indoor, and I prefer to play outdoor, Nadal told a news conference after winning the match. “I don’t know if because of this change the atmosphere inside the court with the roof is more humid or because it was raining before the match or something. But seems like the court is a little more slippery than usual.”
The defending champion broke the opponent’s serve five out of 14 times and belted 38 winners en route to victory, getting access to the third round of Wimbledon with ease. Nadal will take on the wildcard entrant from Luxembourg, Gilles Muller, who made it to the third round as Milos Raonic retired from the second round matchup against him.
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