Rafael Nadal outmuscles Daniel Brands in opening round – Roland Garros 2013
Former world number one, Rafael Nadal, hit back to overpower the German challenger, Daniel Brands, in a four-set nail-biting match at the French Open 2013 on Monday. He jolted down a 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-3 victory against the German
to power into the round of 64 at this second of the four Grand Slam events held in Paris, France.
Seeded third in this event, Nadal showed brilliant tennis skills and kept his first round winning record at this major clay court tournament.
"He was playing unbelievable," said the Spanish number in a courtside interview after winning the match. "I just tried to find my game and tried to resist his fantastic shots. He played a fantastic match and put me in a very difficult
situation. I'm very happy to be through."
Ranked 59th in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Brands made a cautious start and held his opening serve to level the scores at 1-1. He slid his remaining serves through angled shots and stayed in the game.
The German got the breakthrough in the ninth game and clinched the opener with a 6-4 score line.
In the second set both players displayed brilliant defensive skills. They held their entire serves and took the set to the tie-breaker. Nadal made a dismal start in it and fell at 0-3. However, he bagged seven of proceeding eight
points and clicked the set with a 7-6(4) win.
The 26-year-old carried his momentum in the following set. He got the coveted break in the opening game and took the initial lead. Nadal swiftly held his entire serves with conviction and sealed the set by winning six games to
four.
The world number four, Nadal polished his skills in the fourth set. He again broke his rival’s opening serve and jumped to a 2-0 lead. The Spaniard held his remaining serves easily and after cashing in another beak chance in the
end, he pocketed the set with a 6-3 success.
The German reflected after losing the match, “I was up 3-0, and yes, maybe that was the turning point. I lost a little bit of concentration after the tie-break. I think if you play against Rafa you have to play aggressively from
the beginning. If you can do this, I think you have a chance to compete."
With this victory Nadal stayed on course for his eighth French Open title. If he accomplishes this, he will become first man to capture eight crowns at a Grand Slam event.
Next in line for Nadal is the Slovakian contender, Martin Klizan. The Slovakian star recorded a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 retirement victory against America’s Michael Russell to set-up this match.
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