“My feelings are more or less clear now” Rafael Nadal reacts after reaching the quarter-finals of the French Open 2021
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Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal continues his title defense in style as reaches the 15th quarter-final at the French Open after another straight-set victory over Italian teenager Jannik Sinner defeating the World No. 19 7-5, 6-3, 6-0.
As the case is with every Nadal match at the French Open, he continues setting new records and streaks after every victory. This win takes him to 104-2 at the Roland Garros, he remains unbeaten in 34 matches, has won 35 consecutive sets without dropping one and reaches his 44th quarter-final at the Grand Slams.
Speaking after the win in the press conference, Nadal analysed his performance explaining what changed for him after a tight-set to dishing bagel in the 3rd set to register his 3rd victory over the young Italian.
“I played too far from the baseline” says Nadal about the tight first set
Nadal had started the game good breaking Sinner in his first serve and taking a 2-0 lead. However, some good play by Sinner and unforced errors by Nadal made the set very interesting with Sinner being 5-4 ahead of Nadal at a point. Nadal did what he does best and won 3 continuous games to take the set 7-5.
“My feelings are more or less clear now. I think I started the first two games playing great. Then I had a bad game at 2-0, with the wind helping that was a big mistake. Then I started playing too much against his backhand and too for from the baseline. So then I gave him a chance to inside the court and to have control of the point from inside,” said Nadal.
“From that position he’s dangerous and I was a little bit further from the baseline every time. Then I was able to get the break back at 5-4, with the wind helping, I knew that was a chance. So it was important to hold my serve at 5-3 against the wind, then with 5-4 you know you can have your chances. That’s what happened.” added Nadal about his turnaround in the 1st set.
Rafael Nadal to play Diego Schwartzman in the quarter-finals
Nadal also talked about his good run when he looked like wrapping up the 2nd set quickly offering no game to Sinner and dictating the terms. Sinner however staged a good comeback which was not enough as Nadal held his game together to win the match.
“From that moment to 7-5, 4-0, I think I played a very good level of tennis. Then again, a couple of mistakes and he played well honestly. From 4-3 and that moment until the end of match, I think I played great.” said Nadal concluding his press-conference.
Nadal will now play Argentine Diego Schwartzman who reaches his 3rd quarter-final in last 4 years, making the semi-finals in the 2020 French Open, where he lost to Nadal eventually and will be looking for a good revenge as he comes into the tie without having dropped a set similar to Nadal.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)