Rafael Nadal defeats Santiago Giraldo in straight sets at Barcelona
First seed Rafael ‘Rafa’ Nadal scored an easy victory over his opponent Santiago Giraldo in the third round of the 2011 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, defeating his Columbian Number 1 opponent in straight sets to take his place
in the quarterfinals of the clay tournament. The pro, who is often called the King of Clay, defeating Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 6-1 in his attempt for a sixth title at this ATP World Tour 500 Series event. The Spaniard took less than one hour and thirty minutes
to undo his opponent.
The Spanish tennis pro began the first set without much aplomb, and Giraldo even managed to score one ace more than him. However, Rafa made up for this by committing less double faults. He also broke Santiago Giraldo three times
out of four opportunities, although the Columbian pro converted one break point opportunity successfully as well. Being broken so early during a match is highly unusual for the World Number 1. He won the first set by taking 56 per cent of the points, however,
and took the lead with a balanced 6-3 victory.
The King of Clay lived up to his moniker in the second set, barely letting Santiago Giraldo get a game in edgewise. He seemed to have warmed up considerably after his first set, and played exemplary tennis. The player was not broken
even once in this set, and Giraldo could not defend himself against two of four break point opportunities in the match. Both players scored no aces, but Nadal did not need any more advantages to give him a lead. The match consisted of seven games, and Nadal
proved his mettle yet again by winning 64 per cent of the total points in the second set to win it with a fry, 6-1. The final score-line of the third round match was 6-3, 6-1.
Rafael Nadal is a favourite to win this tournament, especially after his recent win at the 2011 ATP World Tour Masters Monte Carlo. The pro will be facing seventh seed Gael Monfils of France in the quarterfinals at Barcelona.
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