Nadal books quarterfinal ticket in tennis
Rafael Nadal reached the Olympic Games quarterfinals Thursday, winning the first of 10 matches he will need to sweep in just four days to secure triple Rio gold.
The 2008 champion defeated Gilles Simon 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 for his eighth win over the Frenchman in nine meetings.
Nadal, a 14-time major winner, is playing in his first tournament in two months after a wrist injury caused an early withdrawal from the French Open.
“I won, that’s what’s important. I’m in the quarterfinals, which is very good news,” said Nadal.
“A few days ago I wouldn’t imagine being in this position, but we have the desire and the energy high to give my best at every moment and that’s what I am doing.”
After torrential rain wiped out Wednesday’s entire programme, the 30-year-old faced an epic test of his fitness and stamina.
Simon’s only win over Nadal came eight years ago, but he proved a thorn in the side of the Spaniard in the opening set.
He broke for 2-1 before the third seed levelled at 2-2. Nadal was quickly 4-2 up but the dogged 15th seed hit back in the seventh game.
Nadal swept to a 5/1 lead in the tiebreaker but he still could not shake off the 31-year-old who clung on for 5/5 before the former world No 1 grabbed the opener.
Nadal grabbing a double break to stretch to 4-0 lead in the second set on his way into the last-eight.
