Fuente : Wimbledon
http://www.wimbledon.org

WIMBLEDON: Nadal Passes First Test

/noticias.info/ Tuesday, June 21, 2005

There was an air of expectancy when the third match was called for Centre Court because it featured the latest sensation to emerge on the international stage of world tennis. Rafael Nadal, the 19-year-old from Mallorca, was hoping to extend his 24-match winning streak, which included his dramatic capture of the French Open title.

Admired not only for his flamboyant tennis and colourful wardrobe, Nadal, resplendent in white from his tightly tied bandana through to his pirate trousers, strode on to the Centre Court full of confidence.

Seeded four, the youngster was quickly into his stride, forcing his more experienced opponent, Vince Spadea, into some early defensive play as the American struggled to hold his opening serve.

Playing only his second Wimbledon at senior level, Nadal reached the third round two years ago, and the semi-finals of the Junior event in 2002 so he is not unfamiliar with the surface. But he is the first to admit he has a lot to learn about grass, although he will continue to play his aggressive game.

Certainly the 30-year-old Spadea must have felt he had run into a whirlwind. In contrast to Nadal, the American was contesting his 10th Wimbledon, with his best performance coming last year when he made the last 16.

He was pulled from side to side and was constantly chasing what looked like lost causes. To his credit, he hung in there as best he could, despite requiring medical attention on a couple of occasions, first to his shoulder and then to the small of his back.

Nadal's 6-4, 6-3, 6-0 victory was decisive and he was never threatened. He delivered seven aces and dominated Spadea on serve and with his returns, breaking the American six times.

The Spanish teenager knows how to handle the big occasion. He has already been tested in some of the biggest arenas of the world and Centre Court was treated no differently. He may be the current King of Clay but he could well emulate Bjorn Borg and go on to capture Wimbledon a few weeks after the French.

Written by Henry Wancke


Centre Court - Gentlemen's Singles - 1st Round
Vincent Spadea USA 4 3 0
Rafael Nadal ESP (4) 6 6 6 notas_de_prensa_archivo