Prior to the French Open starting Rafael Nadal the current world number 1 lost an exhibition match. At the exhibition match Rafael Nadal was defeated by Argentinian player Brian Dabul who is located on 109th on ATP list.
The match was part of “Benny Berthet” charity exhibition matches. The match was only one set and Rafa was defeated 7-5. However, it is completely understandable that Rafa did not want to risk injury before Roland Garros and has not demonstrated the full power that has made him the number one player in the world. However, young Dabul succeeded in something that none of the world`s greatest tennis players have, which is to defeat the king of clay in his invincible Paris.
Incredible tennis was played at the Masters tournament in Madrid. The biggest names of tennis gave their all to win the tournament, but only one man can walk away with this coveted title.
Worlds top three players played semifinal and the two kings of ATP faced eached other in the final! In the semifinals, Rafa Nadal showed all the charms of his game trying to beat Serbian player Novak Dokovic. The match lasted over 4 hours, and these two giants played an unforgettable match. Rafael Nadal managed to save three match points in the tie break. Tennis fans who watched the match, were able to see a spectacular game.
In the final, Nadal faced Roger Federer, who beat Juan Martin del Potro (6-3, 6-4). Until now, Rafa is pretty much invincible on clay. However, because of too much fatigue Rafa was defeated in the finals by the legendary Swiss player and ex world number one Roger Federer with the result 6-4, 6-4. After an 18 month losing streak against the Nadal, Roger finally managed to beat him in the 88 minute long match. The Madrid Masters event is a great building ground to lead into Roland Garros. Im looking forward to seeing if Roger can keep his confidence and push out Nadal at his favourite Grand Slam event.
This was a live report from the Madrid Masters Event. At The Tennis Times we are looking to cover more live matches from the worlds best tournaments.
22 years old Spaniard tennis player Rafael Nadal during a tournament in Madrid said that men’s calendar is overloaded. World’s number one played 14 matches in 3 weeks so he could win clay tournaments in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome as well as the final in Madrid. But, he emphasized that he is more then ready another win in Paris.
“It’s a fact that there are too many matches but that’s the way the calendar has been set.” Rafa said on press conference.
After amazing matches against Novak Dokovic in the semifinal and Roger Federer in the final of Masters in Madrid, it won’t be easy for young Spanish athlete to win at Roland Garros. He also mentioned that he has a few days to adapt and that the conditions are the same for everyone. “I will try to be a 100% for my opening match.” said Nadal.
Last week was the Zagreb Open Challenger which is a breading ground for some of the best rising talent on the mens tour. Players this year included Ilija Bozoljac, the new stars of the Croatian David Cup National team Antonio Veic and Ivan Dodik, Roko Karanusic, Argentinian player Brian Dabul, Australian Peter Luczak, Spanish guy Riba-Madrid and many others.
Lowest ranked player at the tournament was a Spanish player Daniel Munoz-De La Nava, who is currently ranked 156 while the highest was ranked player was Frenchman Nicolas Devidler at 64 in the world rankings.
Croatian tennis players did not perform well in Zagreb. Ivan Dodik lost 6-2, 6-2 in the second round to Ilija Bozoljac, while Antonio Veic after courageous and equal fight against Brian Dabul, also in second round, had to surrender his match after serious hand injury during the result 7-5, 6-7 (4), 2-2 loss. Only Roko Karanusic managed to work up to the quarter-finals where he was stopped by Olivier Rochus with the result 6-3, 7-6 (8).
In the semifinals, the players showed really amazing game. Olivier Rochus from Belgium won his match against Ricardo Hocevar from Brasil (6-1, 6-2). While in second semifinal match, Nicolas Devilder was defeated by Marcos Daniel (5-7,6-4,6-2).
In the final Daniel defeated Rochus with 6-3, 6-4. After a really exciting 13th Zagreb Open, organizers are hoping that next year, the tournament will be even stronger and larger and that better ranked players will come to our challenger.
