Rafael Nadal ousts Alexandr Dolgopolov in the fourth round of 2011 Sony Ericsson Open
Rafael “Rafa” Nadal of Spain defeated Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine in the fourth round of 2011 Sony Ericsson Open. Rafa won the match in straight sets, registering a 6-1, 6-2 win.
Nadal moved into the fourth round after defeating country fellow Feliciano Lopez in straight sets, on the other hand the Ukrainian moved past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France to get a foothold at the fourth round of Miami Masters.
In their second meeting on tour, Nadal extended his winning streak to 2-0. Pair’s last meeting came at the 2010 World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid, where Dolgopolov lost in the second round losing to ultimate defending champion in
straight sets 6-3, 6-3.
In the first set of the match, Nadal hit two aces and obtained 87 per cent of points from his 75 per cent first serves. On the other hand, Dolgopolov entered the match with the same level of enthusiasm as he fired in 2 aces and
struck 56 per cent first serves but unfortunately he only managed to obtain 50 per cent points on his first serves. Nadal didn’t face a single breakpoint opportunity, while the Ukrainian faced two chances though he failed to convert any to his advantage. The
Spaniard won 100 per cent of breakpoints in return and clinched a breadstick win in the first set.
After the first set, a beaten yet determined Dolgopolov tried to fight back as he won 73 per cent of points on his first 44 per cent serves, making a difference of 23 per cent as opposed to his first serves winning percentage.
He turned 3 out of 5 break points opportunities in his favour. On the other hand, Rafa landed 64 per cent on his first serves and struck a single ace. He couldn’t manage to convert any breakpoint opportunity in the final set but capitalizing on his over-all
performance, clinched the final set with a 6-2 score line.
Nadal has extended his year-to-date win-loss record to 15-3. He will next face Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The pair has already met each other twelve times at different occasions, tallying
a 9-3 head-to-head record in the Spaniard’s favour.
Both players are determined and very much looking forward to book their spots in the semi-finals.
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