Nicolas Almagro Gave a Tough Time to Rafael Nadal to Earn His Victory to Go Through for Round of 16

In an all-Spanish third-round clash between two clay-court specialists, No. 3 seed Rafael Nadal overcame service woes to advance to the round of 16 with a 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 win over compatriot Nicolas Almagro.

Both men had trouble holding serve throughout the match, as they had 13 breaks of serve between them. Almagro double-faulted nine times, while Nadal struggled with first serves at 62 percent.

Almagro took an early 2-0 lead in the match by stepping in and attacking Nadal’s second serve. But when his backhand failed him on three consecutive points at 2-2, Nadal broke to take the lead, which he quickly consolidated. Almagro soon earned the break back for 4-4 by firing hard, driving groundstrokes to push Nadal back and keep him on the run. Three more breaks were traded before the world No. 3 fought off two break points to take the first set 7-5.

Though he won in straight sets, Nadal said it was still difficult to beat Almagro, who took full advantage of Nadal's inconsistent serve and the fact that he was playing the ball short so often.

“I didn't serve very well. So he had more chances to attack me on the return,” Nadal said of the match. “But, anyway, he was playing very hard, very aggressive. It was difficult for me to have control of the point. But I have to play more aggressive for the next match, sure. Today was enough, so I am happy for that. I am sure I can do it better.”

Five of Almagro’s nine double faults came in the second set, two of which came in a game point situation to give Nadal a 2-1 and then a 5-4 lead. Almagro’s errors became more frequent, allowing Nadal the chance to serve out the set and take a two-set lead.

Breaks continued to plague both players in the third set. But this time the momentum favored Nadal, as he started taking control of the points from well behind the baseline, finding the open court and leaving Almagro puzzled as to what more he could possibly do to win a rally.

Both players took a medical timeout before the start of the fourth game, with Almagro getting his back worked on while Nadal was receiving treatment for an abdominal strain he suffered in Cincinnati. One final break of Almagro’s serve was all Nadal needed to take a 3-2 lead and eventually close out the match on his serve.

A long baseline rally on match point ended when Nadal, running down a shot from about 10 feet behind the court, hit a backhand shot that painted the sideline with a near-impossible angle that Almagro just could not reach.

Nadal’s fourth-round opponent will be the winner of the Gael Monfils – Jose Acasuso match. Monfils is the No. 13 seed and has yet to drop a set in this tournament. No matter who the winner will be, Nadal said he expects a tough opponent nonetheless.

“I know him and he knows me,” Nadal said of Monfils. “I beat him a few times. He beat me one time, I think. Always a tough opponent, no? Very, very fast player with a good serve. Very athletic player. So it’s going to be very difficult match. Either way, Acasuso, Monfils, they are playing well, it’s going to be difficult.”