Acapulco: Rafa 7 – Argentina 1
Photo by AP Photo/Christian Palma
Rafa took on #77 Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in his round of 16 match in Acapulco. Is he trying to set a record for most consecutive matches played against Argentines? Much like last night, the match started with Rafa storming through a timid looking opponent. After losing the first set decisively, Mayer started hitting freely and ended up testing Rafa a bit. Things were never in doubt, however, and Rafa is through to the semi (6-1, 7-5) where he’ll face his toughest opponent yet on his comeback swing: Nicolas Almagro.
Stats:
| Nadal | Mayer | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 4 | 5 |
| Double Faults | 0 | 6 |
| 1st Serve % | 64% | 61% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 29/34 (85%) | 32/48 (67%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 11/19 (58%) | 11/30 (37%) |
| Break Points Saved | 2/2 (100%) | 4/8 (50%) |
| Service Games Played | 9 | 10 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 16/48 (33%) | 5/34 (15%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 19/30 (63%) | 8/19 (42%) |
| Break Points Won | 4/8 (50%) | 0/2 (%) |
| Return Games Played | 10 | 9 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 40/53 (75%) | 43/78 (55%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 35/78 (45%) | 13/53 (25%) |
| Total Points Won | 75/131 (57%) | 56/131 (43%) |
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Great win for Rafa. He faced a journeyman swinging freely and trying to find his luck in the second set.
Vamossss Rafa!!!!
Good stats, good movement … nervous but looking forward to see how he does as the competition amps up. Should be a good match with Nico.
That was quick of you Miri . Rafa’s been on some kind of an argentine conquering spree .but his next two opponents are much tougher . They both originate from Rafa’s motherland and are great fighters too :) Would be a perfect test for Rafa !
finally – i get to watch a live match (in NZ) ! ANd I liked what I saw, really…compared to the early matches in brazil….OK, the first set was a bit of a walkover for rafa, folding by Mayer. But in the second set Mayer was hitting some good shots. I spent a lot of time just watching rafa move…rather than watching the play. And he’s definitely moving better (than a few weeks ago) – better anticipation, faster around the court , and , well, not wasting energy on shots he can’t possible get to…ie good judgement. His precision is returningwith some very decent angles, and better depth, with power – esp on backhands, of course almost always on forehands – this ability to hit deeper, from way back even, is looking very good.
In fact, as I watched rafa I saw “strength”. There is a solidity about his body now , his movement, that is unmatched I think on the circuit. OK rafa was alwasy powerful in the upper body – but watching him move on serve – check his thighs, buttocks, core stomach (ok ladies, don’t get too excited here) – there is a bulk and power there that I don’t recall seeing before. It’s as if in the last seven months he has been doing a LOT of weight training, for strength, for power, for stability in those legs. I noticed on his serve now, there seems to be a lower body core strength coming through, just….”solid” as. I like this. Djokovitch is fast and flexible, fed just graceful and quick…but rafa just oozes strenght an power…… strength?
The match agains Almagro should be VERY good test. I suspect rafa will step up very well.Yes almagro will get his aces, and kill all short balls…but can he match the precision and power of rafa, under pressure? I dont think so (and i hope not!!).
Well win or lose, as you say it will be a very good test. I think Rafa knows he has to step it up and be more consistent against Almagro. He will have less margin for error and loss of focus, since Almagro will capitalise on his chances much more than other lower ranked players.
Being in the UK with the awful time zone difference, I haven’t watched any matches live, so I really appreciate the posts on this site. (The first thing I do each morning is come down and log on and check the results – even before I’ve had coffee! sad, huh?!) From all the comments I’ve read and the highlights I’ve seen, the general gist is that Rafa’s looking better and better, and I’m so pleased. I never doubted he would shake off the rust and continue to improve, and yes the match vs Almagro will be a really good test but one I’m confident he will come through.
Not sad at all JayDee50! As soon as I wake up I’m looking at my phone for the results. I then go onto twitter to read Miri’s posts. Sounds like he’s finding his game again which makes us all happy. Tonight will be a tough match for him but it will mean he can see where he is compared to the top 20. Wishing him all the luck and really hope that knee doesn’t have a bad day!
Yes JayDee50 i do the same thing, log on then breakfast. John f thanks for the fantastic info.
LOL! glad to know I’m not the only one :)
Me too!! Knowing I’m not alone makes me feel less guilty about my guilty pleasure!
Aaaarrgg this time difference in the UK (6 hours) is awful but I still watched at 3.00 a.m. Good win for Rafa but nail biting in the second set and yes he is moving a lot better. Waited a long time to see that knee/fist pump after the shot down the line.
Semis not on till 4.00 a.m. Oh well pass the matchsticks.
I cannot stay up to watch these matches at 4am and I cannot wait for the European swing of the tour.
Rafa vs Mayer full match on youtube
Me neither, and I’ve been waiting for the european swing too. Only today I found out my subscription TV will not broadcast all ATP Masters anymore! They will only show IW and Miami and then the Slams. I cannot get over it, really. Watching online is just not the same. I am gutted.
Thanks for the link micamica I will watch it as soon as I can. When I get over the bad news, if I ever do :-(
Does anyone have an update on Rafa playing at Indian Wells?
Thanks so much for the link micamica, think i’ll stick to watching youtube @ the moment. If i watch him live my nerves will be shocking.