Rafael Nadal storms into Barcelona third round

Nadal exacted revenge for his quarter-final loss at Barcelona Open last season against Almagro.

It was payback time for Rafel Nadal as he met compatriot Nicolas Almagro across the net for a second consecutive year at the Barcelona Open. Last season, the nine-time French Open champion had succumbed to a straight-sets loss at the hands of Almagro and heading into the second round match on Wednesday, Nadal would have eager to settle old scores.

In a match that lasted one hour and 39 minutes, Nadal beat Almagro 6-3, 6-1 to set up a third round clash against 13th seeded Fabio Fognini. Although the scoreline might suggest otherwise, the match wasn’t a cakewalk for the Mallorcan. Despite being 1-5 down in the second set and staring at defeat, the tenacious Almagro displayed immense spirit as he made Nadal work hard for his win. The World Number five had to save as many as seven break points in the final game of the match before he could wrap up the affair on his fifth match point.

Midway through the match, attention was distracted from the proceedings on the court as a British fan was caught on camera proposing to his girlfriend. The crowd erupted into cheers when the girl answered in the affirmative and Nadal admitted later that he hadn’t been aware of the event. "I heard the crowd screaming a little bit, but I didn’t realise what was going on”, Nadal said.

Speaking about the last game that seemed to take forever to finish, Nadal said – “"I had a few mistakes in that game; It was a strange finish, but a very solid performance, so I’m very happy for that."

Ferrer advances as Cilic departs

2013 French Open finalist and third seed David Ferrer too had little trouble sailing into the third round. In yet another all-Spanish encounter, Ferrer thumped Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-3 to seal a third round spot. Ferrer will be up against Elias Ymer, who took out rising youngster Nick Kyrgios in three sets, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7).

Nadal’s third round opponent, Fabio Fognini, meanwhile, ousted Russian teenager Andrey Rublev in a thrilling match that stretched to three sets. Despite the Russian pushing hard, Fognini prevailed to take the match, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. Jo-Wilfred Tsonga came undone against Marcel Granollers, losing the match 4-6, 2-6. The Frenchman struggled to hold serve throughout the match, dropping it on as many as four occasions.

The third day of the Barcelona Open wasn’t without any upsets. 53rd ranked Victor Estrella Burgos caused quite a sensation as he sent reigning US Open champion and fourth seed Marin Cilic packing in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.