Rafael Nadal squeaks past Carlos Berlocq to enter round three –
Barcelona Open 2013
Former world number one, Rafael Nadal, got the better of the Argentinean challenger, Carlos Berlocq, in straight sets at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell 2013 on Wednesday. He recorded a 6-4, 6-2 victory against the 30-year-old to secure a spot in the pre-quarters
at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 500 series event taking place in Barcelona, Spain.
Seeded second in this event, Nadal re-ignited his old spark and eventually outclassed the Argentine in their second encounter. With this victory, the Spaniard stayed on track for his eighth trophy at this clay court event and booked a spot in the round of
16. The contestants previously battled each other at the Brasil Open in Sao Paulo earlier this season and after stealing the limelight, Nadal improved to a 2-0 lifetime in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against the Argentine.
“The conditions today weren't comfortable,” said the jubilant Spaniard in an on court interview after bagging the match. “There was a very changeable wind that made it difficult to play at a high level. The most important thing is to accept the situation
and move forward.”
Nadal stormed into this battle and after drawing the first blood, he leaped to a 3-0 lead. Despite squandering his edge in the ninth game, the Spaniard cashed another break chance and eventually clinched the opener with a 6-4 score line.
The 26-year-old kept momentum rolling in the proceeding set. He got the coveted break in the fourth game and leaped to a 4-1 lead. Nadal held his composure and swiped remaining serves with poise. He converted another break chance in the last game and bagged
the set with a 6-2 win.
The Spanish star made his return few months ago. He was ruled out of tennis since last year’s Wimbledon second round exit. Nadal’s last defeat in Barcelona came 10 years ago.
He will take on the 13th seed, Benoit Paire, in the pre-quarters. The seeded French rallied past Spain’s Pablo Andujar in a three-set thriller. He recorded a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 scorer line in two hours and 11 minutes.
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