MADRID: Top seed Rafael Nadal has become the first player in the Open Era to win 50 consecutive sets on the same surface following his latest win at the Madrid Open.
The world No.1 rallied to a 6-3, 6-4, win over Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman at the Caja Magica. Extending his head-to-head record against the 25-year-old to 5-0. Roared on by his lively home crowd, the Spanish king of clay produced 14 winners to 21 unforced errors. Converting three out of his seven break point opportunities.
“It was a tough match, for sure. He’s a really good player. He has a lot of talent. We’ve seen that in the past. He’s a very quick player. It was a difficult match.” Said Nadal.
“I was controlling at the beginning, and at the end I wasn’t in control so much.” He added.
The deceivingly straightforward score line was not a true reflection of the challenge Nadal encountered. Twice before he has squandered a set against Schwartzman become coming back to win. At the start of the match, the underdog look threatening once again. Forcing Nadal to save a break point in his second service game. Despite the scare, it wasn’t long before Nadal took control. Breaking for a 4-2 lead after a Schwartzman backhand slammed into the net. Gaining in momentum he went on to clinch the 6-3 lead on the stroke of the 45-minute mark. Firing a serve down the centre of the court to force the error from his rival.
It was a case of deja Vu in the second set. Schwartzman, who is currently ranked 16th in the world, continued to illustrate his potential. Hitting some world-class passing shots that drew admiration from the crowd. Still, Nadal had the extra level in his game. Slamming a forehand winner towards the baseline to move to a set and a break up (6-3, 3-2).
It wasn’t until two games away from a potential win that Nadal buckled. Some sublime fighting spirit from Schwartzman rewarded him with the break back to level 4-4 after slamming a forehand down the line. Schwartzman’s resurgence was short-live as back-to-back double faults in the following game guided Nadal to a chance to serve for the match. An opportunity the 10-time French Open champion capitalized on after a shot from his rival drifted wide.
“It seems now I’m in a positive momentum. The tournaments I’ve been able to play, I’ve been able to play deep (into the draw). In general I’m fine. I’m happy for those things are working out.” Nadal commented about his current form.
“Tomorrow I have a very tough match. I think it’s a key match in this tournament against a very tough player. It’s another opportunity to play against one of the best players of the world, especially here in this these conditions.”
In Friday’s quarter-final, Nadal will take on Dominic Thiem in what will be a repeat of last year’s final. Thiem secured his place in the last eight with a 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, win over Croatia’s Borna Coric. He trails Nadal 2-6 in their head-to-head, but was the last player to take a set off him on the clay at last year’s Italian Open.
“I have to play the best, one of my best matches of the life. I have to play very aggressive with not many mistakes.” Thiem said about facing Nadal.
“It doesn’t look like I can win the way it is right now. It was way more realistic last year. Anything can happen in tennis. Tomorrow is a new day.” He added.
He has surpassed John McEnroe’s previous record of winning 49 straight sets on the same surface. McEnroe achieved his run on the carpet back in 1984.
“None of these things are on my mind.” Nadal commented about breaking records. “I don’t want these things to not let be me focused. I have to play my match with all things possible. If I succeed and achieve the record, that’s good.”
Nadal is now 14-0 on the clay this year.
