BARCELONA - ATP 500 - Apr. 19-27, 2014.

[isabelle]

Happy that nuts Ernie won, hope he can continue the good job

 

[Riotbeard]

Kei takes the first set against cilic 6-1. His good form continues.

 

[pavlik89]

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhoUYMgIEy4[/video]

 

[Murat B.]

Bad opening game from Magro and he got broken. Now he has a BP himself.

 

[Murat B.]

Magro warming up...the backhand is starting to work.

Even Steven.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

So, we are guaranteed of one non-spaniard in the final. Is there any chance of
having two non-spaniards in the final?

I have not seen a single match of this tournament live. Just following news and
scores.

 

[Murat B.]

Magro starting to do his thing again...spraying shots all over the place, getting mad at himself.

 

[Murat B.]

Sublime defending from Nadal and he gets the error from Magro to get the break. Nadal is like, 2 winners, 3 UE's...He is just playing within himself and letting Magro self destruct. Magro must have at least 20 UE's so far.

 

[Murat B.]

Couple of nice winners in the last game from Nadal to take the first set 6-2. That was confidence coming back.

 

[Murat B.]

It must be numero 2, because Nadals WC break is approaching 5 minutes...

 

[Kieran]

Rafa often stops a match so he can drop a rope. It's what distinguishes him from other greats - Class!

 

[Murat B.]

Rafa often stops a match so he can drop a rope. It's what distinguishes him from other greats - Class!

Well, with all that pulling, some rope has GOT TO come out, no?

 

[Murat B.]

Magro in self-destruck mode again...40-0 to BP down....back to deuce.
Magro holds...on serve, 2-1 for Magro.

 

[Murat B.]

Lahyani's corrections scare the S$#@ out of me...Relax brother...

 

[shawnbm]

This match should not really be a true barometer of Nadal and his game, but what, at the very least, can you guys take from what you are watching? How is the return of second serve game? The inside out FH? Where in the court is the BH drive falling? How is his movement?

 

[Murat B.]

^ Uhm, Nadal is returning from Madrid...even though that tournament is in a couple of weeks. Nadal's backhand has been amazing so far. I would not be surprised if he has more backhand winners than forehand. It feels that way. Magro making too many errors as usual. He is moving superb, Nadal. His defense have been amazing at times.

 

[Murat B.]

Stunning forehand winner from Rafa...he had to make it, otherwise the whole court was open for Magro.

 

[Murat B.]

Magro had a point there...you cannot point to a mark after missing a shot. That's late.

 

[Murat B.]

I am surprised Magro is still in this set. He looks like he is falling apart, but keeps on doing just enough. 5-5.

 

[Moxie]

This match should not really be a true barometer of Nadal and his game, but what, at the very least, can you guys take from what you are watching? How is the return of second serve game? The inside out FH? Where in the court is the BH drive falling? How is his movement?

Far fewer UFEs in this match. BH was working best early on, but the FH has come more reliable as the match went along, including the inside-out, which has won him more than a few points.