After two victories in two weeks in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Rafael Nadal lost to defending champion Andy Murray in the Madrid Open semifinals. Next tournament for Rafa: Rome, where he could face Djokovic in the quarterfinals.
A few pictures from Nadal’s practices this week in Madrid:
14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal was named Spain’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics Games:
Nadal was chosen as the country’s flag bearer for the 2012 London Games, but had to pull out with an injury and was replaced by his friend Pau Gasol.
“For me it was an amazing feeling when I was told I would carry [the flag] in 2012. It was terrible news when I had to pull out of London. I’ve missed Grand Slams and Davis Cups in my career but the toughest thing was the 2012 Olympics.”
Rafa won the gold in Beijing in 2008 and it remains one of the biggest moments of his career:
“To see the Spanish flag being raised to the accompaniment of the national anthem as I stood on the winner’s podium: well, it was one of my life’s proudest moments.”
Stay tuned for more Olympics coverage on Tennis Buzz.
Nadal defeated Nishikori in two tight sets 6-4 7-5 to claim his second title in two weeks. With his victory, he equals Guillermo Vilas’ record of 49 clay court titles.
Muchas Felicidades por el logro @RafaelNadal , un abrazo.
— Guillermo Vilas (@GuilleVilasOK) April 24, 2016
Nadal: “It was a very close match. There were a lot of chances for both of us but I think I have been solid. When you play against players with such a high level, the match is often decided by a few moments. So I feel happy that I handled all these important moments well mentally.”
Rafa admitted he played his worst match of the tournament in the semifinal, but it was still enough to defeat Kohlschreiber in straight sets and advance to the final.
Nadal aims to clinch his record ninth Barcelona title, while Nishikori seeks to become the third player in history (after Mats Wilander and Rafael Nadal) to lift the Conde de Godo Trophy three years in a row.
Kei Nishikori is the two-time defending champion:
Rafa Nadal won the tournament 8 times, the last time in 2013:
Nishikori or Nadal, who do you think will win?
Photo credit: Banc Sabadell
Rafael Nadal, who aims to lift his record ninth title in Barcelona, defeated Fabio Fognini in straight sets 6-2 7-6 to advance to the semifinal. With a win in the final on Sunday, he would equalize Guillermo Vilas record of 49 clay-court titles.
Photo credit: Banco Sadabell
