After Rafa disposed of Taylor Dent 6-4, 6-3 in his opening match, next up was old foe and Nemisis, David Nalbandian. I always cringe when Rafa has to play Nalby as although those two indoor pastings he took happened in 2007, for some reason, Nalby has the perfect flat hitting, hard court match up game for Rafa. Lets not forget the match points he held against him Indian Wells last year, so it was with trepidation that we awaited this match.
Sadly for Nalby but an advantage for Rafa, is that Nalby is returning after many months out due to hip surgery, therefore at some point, his fitness would have to come into play. The first set showed some tremendous tennis, especially from David and those recurring Rafa-doubts happened again in the middle of the first set. If Nalby had to have any chance, he had to win the first set, which he promptly did 10-8 in the first set tie-breaker, even with Rafa having a point to take the set himself.
Rafa struggled in his opening service game and had to fight his way out of it. As the match progressed, Rafa broke Nalby twice in the second set and twice in the third to run out the 6-2, 6-2 winner. This actually didn't accurately reflect the status of the match, but fitness and match practise is what Nalby is lacking at the moment, and it was a much needed victory for Rafa. Funnily in this match, it proved to be the reverse of what's been happening of late in that Rafa had to fight, keep his nerve and stay calm. Lets hope that this might be the turning point we are so dearly looking for
Rafa faces David Ferrer in his next match. Hope you've brought your running shoes, Rafa ...
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