Brasil Open: Rafa wins!
Photo by AP Photo/Andre Penne
So, a lot happened while I was out living a life* that was planned when there was no RafaTennis scheduled for the weekend! Most importantly? Rafa’s got a new title. How sweet is that? He defeated David Nalbandian in the final of the Brasil Open 6-2, 6-3. From the stats, it looks like it was a pretty straightforward match – which is a lovely thing because Nalbandian has caused a lot of problems for Rafa in the past. Congratulations to Rafa!
Short summary via the ATP.
Stats:
| Nadal | Nalbandian | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 3 | 3 |
| Double Faults | 4 | 3 |
| 1st Serve % | 60% | 50% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 23/35 (66%) | 13/24 (54%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 11/23 (48%) | 9/24 (38%) |
| Break Points Saved | 2/4 (50%) | 3/8 (38%) |
| Service Games Played | 9 | 8 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 11/24 (46%) | 12/35 (34%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 15/24 (63%) | 12/23 (52%) |
| Break Points Won | 5/8 (63%) | 2/4 (50%) |
| Return Games Played | 8 | 9 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 34/58 (59%) | 22/48 (46%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 26/48 (54%) | 24/58 (41%) |
| Total Points Won | 60/106 (57%) | 46/106 (43%) |
To get to the final, Rafa defeated #111 Martin Alund (ARG) 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-1. Since I didn’t see the match, I have no idea what happened in that 2nd set, but it seems unnecessarily complicated given Alund’s ranking. Maybe it was good I didn’t see it before the final. :)
Stats:
| Nadal | Alund | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 5 | 7 |
| Double Faults | 2 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 67% | 60% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 49/54 (91%) | 33/44 (75%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 14/26 (54%) | 18/29 (62%) |
| Break Points Saved | 2/2 (100%) | 2/5 (40%) |
| Service Games Played | 15 | 13 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 11/44 (25%) | 5/54 (9%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 11/29 (38%) | 12/26 (46%) |
| Break Points Won | 3/5 (60%) | 0/2 (%) |
| Return Games Played | 13 | 15 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 63/80 (79%) | 51/73 (70%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 22/73 (30%) | 17/80 (21%) |
| Total Points Won | 85/153 (56%) | 68/153 (44%) |
(*Seriously not joking – bunch of friends converging on a town that’s an 1.5 hour drive has me driving back and forth to hang out with them. Plus, today I walked a half-marathon. Once I post a few things, I’m heading out to hang out with my friends again. Then, tomorrow I have a minor surgical procedure. When it rains, it pours. So, sorry, I don’t know when I’ll have a chance to get caught up.)
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I loved this article about Rafa’s injuries and comebacks. I posted this in the chat box
http://www.sportskeeda.com/2013/02/16/rafael-nadal-still-going-strong/
I loved it too! Thanks for posting.
Nice article thanks Micamica
I Loved the article! Thanks so much.
@JayDee50, Patrica/England and Nils, you are all welcome.
king of clay,after a deep slumber of more than 6 months,forced upon by his own knees, is slowly asserting himself indeed.however, the results indicate rafa has to do more home works in order to overcome more formidable rivals like joker, fedexpress, andis & other clay court specialists.importantly, rafa should not overstrain his knees in the process.good luck, rafa!! arunachalam, india
how sweet???
I wouldn`t call it sweet but great!
great news ! very positive outcome! step by step, it`s a long way Rafa but you carry on!
So happy that Rafa beat Nalbandian as he can trouble anyone when he is in the mood. Hopefully this will give him some much needed confidence.
Vamos our Rafa & God bless.
Thanks Miri for all your hard work on this site. I have been late at discovering this gem! I hope that your surgery goes well.
I am so elated with happiness over Rafa’s win! I was reading and viewing pictures late las night and burst into tears. It has been so hard being a Rafa fan over the last few months. And this is just waht Rafa and his fans needed. The relief of his comeback and win have really made me happy. I am just so happy that Rafa is back. May our Rafa build on this great victory. I can’t wait for Acupulco, more Rafa to look forward too. I hope that Rafa has a lively peaceful restful week with his family and loved ones.
Congrats to Rafa. Judging by the comments that I was reading here about his previous matches in SP, he seemed to have almost zero chances to win. Glad that he’s back to his contrarian ways.
Rafa is looking forward to Acapulco tournament
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQtq9APhx8s
Well done Rafa, so happy to see him win a title again. But still, most important is how he feels now, and a little rest before the next tournament will hopefully be good for him.
Good luck to Miri and thanks for all the updates here. It´s amazing how much hard work you put into this site for all of us to enjoy.
This granny tennis bunny was really happy on Sunday … well done Rafa.
Miri, thanks so much for keeping up with this site. It is a refreshing & Positive outlook for us Rafa fans. Hope your surgery goes great & you are back doing another 1/2 marathon very soon!
Hope your surgery goes well Miri and like a few other people I would like to thank you for all your hard work on this site – it is much appreciated.
Great news and nice for Rafa!
Lets just enjoy it for now Rafa fans…
Thanks Miri for finding time to update us. x