ATP RIO OPEN FINAL: NADAL vs DOLGOPOLOV

Tonight i am watching Nadal –Dolgopolov final match in Rio Open. These two players played 4 times before and only 20 games left by Nadal to him. I hope it is gonna be a exciting match. Dolgopolov carry a black ribbon on his t-shirt to draw attention to the tragic events happened in Ukraine lately.

Match is starting with Rafa’s serve. As he was playing against Andujar, today he must be tired but it shouldn’t be a problem for him, as because high level tennis players should be fit and strong. Rafa is confident and comfortable in his service game. 1-0.

Here what important is that Dolgopolov has to hold his service games. Alexandr D. is ranking 54 in the world. We can see tonight how he will react to world number one.

Ukrainian started good as well. He is sending different shots during the game to confuse Rafa’s mind to leave him unprepared. 1-1.

Rafa Nadal can switch his position very quickly in the court, he can take the balls his forehand or backhand side easily than any other player, he has quick feet. Dolgopolov sending high balls to his backhand side, but it is not easy to have positive results by only doing it. Because Rafa answer all of these balls, so it becomes a long rally. As a player if you want to stop him, you have to win the long rallies. But usually when the rallies get longer, Nadal wins it. So you have to make your move before it takes too long or avoid unforced erros.

In the third game Rafa broke Dolgopolov’s service. It is a problem for him now. Because after this point, it is crucial that if he can protect his dicipline and motivation. Dolgopolov making more unforced erros than Rafa. By the way i can say that Rafa makes him run throughout the court and force him to make mistakes. Rafa has a vast repertoire of shots and make all of them in master level. Although his service performance is below of his usual level, he makes the score 5-2 in the 1.set. Rafa Nadal saved a breaking point (during 4-2) which can be shown as a lesson in tennis academies. I am so sure that  no other player rather than Rafa Nadal could save that point, it was amazing.

Dolgopolov hasn’t got a set from Nadal in his career so far. He is serving to stay in the set, 5-2 Nadal leads. If he could break the previous service, there could be a chance to force Nadal in the set but here is pressure is on Dolgopolov’s shoulder. He got his service in love game and after that Nadal has won his service game and took the first set 6-3 in 38 minutes. Rafa’s first service won percentage is %82, it is getting better now.

13 winner, 13 unforced erros from Dolgopolov while Nadal has 1 winner and 4 unforced erros in the first set. Second set has started with Dolgopolov’s service. It is very important for him to start good and hold his service game in the 2. set otherwise he may lose his all focus and lose the set and the match so quickly. He could hold service game eventhough he had little trouble during the game. 1-0

Nadal got his service game so easily and quickly in 90 seconds. 1-1.

Dolgopolov is having problems in his service game. Nadal is playing aggresively, when he gets the ball in his forehand side, there is no cure for the ball that Nadal sends. Rafa has got an early break again in the second set and it becomes 3-1 very quickly.

Dolgopolov is working hard on court, he has tough times in his service game but he tries every type of shot as he can; drop shots, aces, passing shots, paralel forehands. He is trying to find a solution to stop Rafa but i can say that he is not succeeded so far.

Nadal leads 5-4 and serving for the championship now! Dolgopolov is runnig for everyball that Rafa sends. He is coming to the net as much as he can. Dolgopolov has a breaking point now, we will see if Rafa can save it or not? Dolgopolov has done a good job, has broken Nadal’s service! 5-5 in the second set.

Dolgopolov has got the pace and doing great things in court now. He not only got his service game and leads 6-5, but he is forcing Nadal to break again. His confidence boosts, he is striking; on the other hand Rafa is having problem in his serves, second serves are not that good but he has managed to carry the set to tie-break. 6-6.

Nadal is playing better than Dolgopolov in the tie- break. He captures the points at the second he has a chance. Game,set, match Rafa Nadal 6-3, 7-6. With this championship he got the 62. title in his career. Congrats Rafa!!!