His victory leaves him undefeated in Brazil and places him equal 7th on the All Time Career Titles List, just two titles below Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg.
All Time ATP Titles
1. Jimmy Connors - 110
2. Ivan Lendl - 94
3. John McEnroe - 77
3. Roger Federer - 77
5. Bjorn Borg - 64
5. Pete Sampras - 64
7. Guillermo Vilas - 62
7. Rafael Nadal -62
9. Andre Agassi - 60
10. Ilie Nastase - 58
On Saturday, the Spaniard was tested to the limit by country man Pablo Andular in the Rio Semifinals. Pablo, playing out of his skin, stormed to take the first set, before losing to Nadal 6-2, 3-6, 6-7(10) in close to 3 hours.
Some absolutely incredible clay-court tennis was on show from the Spaniards...
Pablo's offensive game forced Nadal deep into the court, placing him in uncomfortable positions. Yet, Nadal took an early lead in the third. Composed and determined, Pablo broke back level and in the ensuing tiebreak, he came to within inches of taking the match, saving one match point with a sublime drop shot half volley on the run. Yet Nadal once again showed why he is the king of clay, holding his nerve to finish the match 12-10 in the tiebreak.
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| Rafa Wins In Rio |
