KRISTEN’S KOURT: Nadal Continues Stellar Comeback in Barcelona

Written by: on 27th April 2013
Conde de Godo Tennis Tournament in Barcelona
KRISTEN'S KOURT: Nadal Continues Stellar Comeback in Barcelona

epa03679140 Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Canadian player Milos Raconic at their Conde Godo Tennis Tournament's semi final match in Barcelona, northeastern Spain, 27 April 2013. Nadal won the match 6-4 and 6-0. EPA/TONI ALBIR  |

At this point in the season, there should be no question as to Rafael Nadal’s ability to play following a severe knee injury that took him off the tour for over 7 months. He has made the final in each of the 5 tournaments he has played as part of his comeback so far, and today he made number 6 with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Milos Raonic. The Spaniard will try to capture his eighth trophy in nine years when he takes on Nicolas Almagro in the Barcelona Open.

Rain may have caused the start of play to be delayed by four hours, but Nadal didn’t let that hinder his momentum as he made quick work of the Canadian. “I think it was my best match of the whole week,” said Nadal. “He played a fantastic second game on the return. I won the third game, which was very important for the match, because if you are 3-love down against a big server like Milos, you’re in big trouble.” And though he is favored to beat compatriot Almagro in the finals tomorrow, he knows it won’t be easy. “[Nicolas] is playing great and having a fantastic week. Tomorrow will be the most difficult match of the week. Hopefully I can play my best match and take my chances.”

Almagro will be looking for his 20th career ATP title, after he beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2, 6-1 and knows that playing fellow Spaniard (and friend) Rafael Nadal won’t be an easy task – especially on clay. “I think I played one of my best matches here in Spain,” said Almagro. “I felt really good all the time during the match. I’m really happy to be in my first final in Barcelona… Every match I play against [Rafa] is fantastic. I’m ready for everything, so we will see what I can do on court.”

Follow Kristen on Twitter! @KristensKourt

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