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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Nadal gets tested on way to QF in Rio

Nadal gets tested on way to QF in Rio
By Jawad Bisharat

Number 1 seed and defending champion Rafael Nadal defeated countryman Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5, 6-3 on Thursday to advance to the quarter finals at the Rio Open.
Carreno Busta drew first blood breaking Nadal to take the lead in the first set. Nadal however broke back, to even the set.  Busta’s saved 3 set points on his serve, but the 23 year old was unable to hold on to the set losing in 73 minutes.
In the second set, Nadal was pushed saving 2 break points. Busta on the other hand could not hold serve and Nadal went on to win the match in over 2 hours.

“I think he played well; he played aggressive,” said Nadal. “I’m happy the way that I played."
Nadal will next face sixth seed Pablo Cuevas, who is coming off a win on Sunday at the Brasil Open 2015 defeating Vanni. Cuevas beat journyman Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-2 in 69 minutes to secure a quarter final match against the best clay court player of all time. 
"Montanes is a great player on this surface; the famous 'Old Fox'," said Cuevas "He definitely was a difficult opponent. I am confident. I was able to play the same as I’ve been doing for the last days, and I was able to prevail in the match. I am happy."
"If my rival is Nadal, it is going to be the first time I face him," he said. "I am in a good moment. I will try to enjoy the match and continue to play the same as I been doing and I wish I can continue with the streak."

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