‘Rafa overshadows what the other Spanish players do,’ Pablo Carreno Busta speaks after winning at Marbella


‘Rafa overshadows what the other Spanish players do,’ Pablo Carreno Busta speaks after winning at Marbella

Pablo Carreno Busta has been a great No. 2 to Rafael Nadal for years now. He was the top seed at Marbella last week and won the title at home becoming the first Spaniard to win a tournament in 2021.

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He was pushed to the limit by his inexperienced opponent, Jaume Munar before coming through 6-1 2-6 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes. Carreno Busta looked set to sail to his fifth title after sweeping through the first set but Munar responded to set up a decider in which both players found top form.

In the end the favourite’s nerve held and he converted his seventh break point opportunity at 4-4 in the decider to set himself up to serve out for the title.

It’s a problem to have Rafael Nadal with us: Pablo Carreno Busta

Pablo Carreno Busta
Pablo Carreno Busta

Carreno Busta spoke about playing under the shadow of Rafael Nadal. He said that it is a blessing and a problem to have Rafa on his side. Players from Spain often get shadowed by the stature of Rafael Nadal.

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“It’s a blessing and at the same time a problem to have Rafael Nadal with us,” he said.

“It’s a joy for all of us, but it’s true that he overshadows what the other Spanish players do. In Marbella the four semifinalists were all from Spain but it was minimized.”

He will play his his first round match against Qualifier Stefano Travaglia in the Monte Carlo Masters.

Also read: Grigor Dimitrov picks his best Masters 1000s matches

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