Rafael Nadal has been in brilliant form in the 2017 season, and this year achieved a long-coming feat – his tenth title at the Monte Carlo Masters with a win over compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
Now, the former World No. 1 is having just as dominant a run at the Barcelona Open in his home country, where he is through to the semi-finals without having dropped a set.
But the Spanish ace was perhaps most taxed by one of his youngest competitors, Korean Hyeon Chung, who took him to a tiebreak in the first set before eventually losing the tiebreaker and the second set.
Nadal has always been known – and respected for his immense reflexes, and this year, following a serious lull in 2015, has appeared more invincible than any other player on tour. The World No. 6 has faced a number of big opponents this year, most notably his longtime rival Roger Federer. The pair’s matchup at the finals of the Australian Open earned Federer his record-extending 18th Grand Slam title.
At his quarter-final against Hyeon Chung, however, Nadal was at his flexible, agile best, reacting to shots with lighting speed. On this occasion, up 2-0 in the tiebreak, Nadal came into the net to flummox Chung, who returned effectively. Still at the net, Nadal came up with a completely non-regulation, and not-seen-before move to send in a return that just about made the other side of the net – leaving no chance for Chung to return.
Just about wiggling his racquet to make the shot, Nadal earned the title of ‘Jedi’ for his astonishing reflexes.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
