It's been a nervy weekend, full of doubt and some worry.
But after practice away from Roland Garros yesterday, and some word that he'd been troubled with his elbow since Rome which was affecting his serving - and one assumes, his infamous forehand - Rafa came out today in his match against Kei Nishikori and played so much better.
I couldn't watch each point with interest, as I had it up on my phone but still had to work, and I believe that Nishikori made a pretty promising start. But one break by Rafa was enough to take the first set.
He then simply stormed away with the second, even though it was Kei who had the first break points. That was also the case in the third set, but Rafa's trademark forehand down-the-line was that shot that sealed the deal. A relatively stress-free match after what we've been enduring lately, and a welcome win with no sets dropped by a 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 scoreline.
He'll face Stanford Wawrinka in the quarter-finals. Part of me was hoping it would be Richard Gasquet - even considering the French crowd - because Rafa's has had one or two tight matches with Stanford on clay, even though I don't think he's been able to actually take a set off him. But the match went to 5 sets, and Stan had to come from 2 sets down to win, so maybe that will play it's part.
Hey, I want Rafa through anyhows and anyways. But I certainly feel a lot easier about his play than I did watching him last week. Vamos and upwards!!
Yep, much better match :) Though never had any doubts he'd improve as the tournament progresses. I have a sneaky feeling he's saving his best for the semi's though after Djerko's match against Philly I have a suspicion Haass will cause an upset :D Still firmly believe Rafa will topple the Djerk if he does get to the semi's :)
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