Rafael Nadal has grabbed his first victory over a top-50 player this year after defeating Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.
It was far from straightforward for the 9-time French Open champion, who required over two hours to get past the world No.45. After struggling with his serve during the second set, Nadal was pushed all the way throughout the deciding set. He was forced to fend off two break points at 3-3 to nudged his way ahead. It wasn’t until a crucial moment at the end of the match that Muller start to falter, enabling Nadal to capitalize. A costly double fault from the Luxembourg player (only his third of the match) handed Nadal three match points. Squandering the first two with unforced errors, the world No.5 was triumphant with his third after a return shot breezed past Muller to clinch the victory.
The Spaniard produced 27 winners compared to 22 unforced errors to progress to the third round. Shortly after his win, Nadal spoke highly about Muller’s performance.
“He’s a very, very difficult player, especially in these conditions,” Nadal said of Muller.
“It’s very, very difficult to play. You have to be focused all the time and put as many balls in the court as you can and wait for your moment.”
In the last 32 Nadal will play fellow countryman Fernando Verdasco in what will be a repeat of this year’s Australian Open first round. In Melbourne Nadal suffered a shock five-sets defeat to Verdasco, crashing out in the first round of the tournament for the first time in his career.
Legal action launched against Roselyne Bachelot
Battles on the court isn’t the only issue currently facing Nadal. It has been confirmed that he has started legal proceeding against Roselyne Bachelot, the former minister of sport in France between 2007-2010. Last week Bachelot made headlines after saying on French television that Nadal deliberately faked an injury to cover a failed drugs test. The comments have sparked outrage from the world of Spanish sport, with numerous influential figures such as Real Madrid, jumping to Nadal’s defense.
Doping allegations against Nadal is nothing new, however, there has never been an accusation from a former government official. Shortly after his second round win in Indian Wells, a frustrated Nadal told the media that he has had enough of the allegations and will sue Bachelot.
“A minister of France should be serious,” he said. “This time is the time to go against her. We are going to sue her.
“This is going to be the last one, because I’m going to sue her. I am tired about these things. I let it go a few times in the past. Not any more.”
Nadal’s publicist, Benito Perez Barbadillo, confirmed that Spanish lawyers have already contacted legal professionals in France to begin the lawsuit. Speaking to Carole Bouchard during an interview for Le Figaro, Barbadillo said that Nadal has no hard feelings against people in France. He stated that it was unfair that the Maria Sharapova doping situation has been turned into a case against Nadal. He also took a swing against banned player, Daniel Koellerer, who has also accused Nadal of doping.
“He has no credibility! He was banned for life from the circuit (note: sentenced in 2011 for rigging matches). To quote someone like him, I cannot understand”. He responded.
Bachelot is yet to quote on the lawsuit
