The couple demolishes the resistance of Blgica (6-7 (7), 7-5, 10-7) to close the pass to another hard crossing, where Australia awaits.
Nadal, at the service
Spain had to hurry up to the sper 'tie break' agnico to define his pass to the semifinals of the ATP Cup. A great comeback by Rafa Nadal and Pablo Carreo (6-7 (7), 7-5, 10-7) before Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen in Sydney, where Saturday awaits Australia. The previous defeat of the 'number one' of the world before David Goffin had forced this resolution, where the Spaniard offered an excellent level.
It was two hours of great tension at the Ken Rosewall Arena, the last session at one o'clock in the morning. After delivering the first set in the tiebreaker, the Spaniards faced with composure a borderline situation. The strength in the Vliegen network, combined with Gille's confidence, seemed to be then unapproachable.
“I have tried my best, I have given everything and I feel very happy,” Nadal said after the victory, fatigued both by the activity on the track and the long trip from Perth. “We have been the last team to arrive here and we have presented ourselves with just one training. They are three hours apart and tonight, until four in the morning we will not go to sleep,” the left-hander analyzed, now aware of the demanding challenge to The local selection. “It will also be a very tough tie, but we will try everything, as always,” he foresaw.
The video, decisive
Of course, another third game is not ruled out, where mental strength can play a decisive role. As demonstrated by Nadal and Carreo, who in the eighth game of the second round, with 3-4 adverse, had to raise two options of 'break'.
A few minutes later, with 5-5, Gille lost the first three points of his turn. With that 0-40, Vliegen crushed a free ball in the net, although after the video review, the chair judge awarded the point to Spain, since the left-hander had connected his blow in the rival field.
It was the only 'break' of the night, which led to 7-5 and the subsequent outcome of the sper 'tie break', typical of this competition. Despite appearances, the responsibility of the stake was not going to grip the Belgians, capable of linking three direct serves (two of Gille for 3-2 and another of Vliegen in 4-4).
Double lack of Gille
However, a spectacular 'drive' forced from Nadal, straight to the line, opened the first crack. Gille committed a double foul at the worst time, although Vliegen took a superb shot for 7-9. It was the last star of the Belgians and the great respite for the team led by Francis Roig.
On Saturday, starting at 8:30 am, Australia, one of the favorites, awaits, with Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Miaur in front. The other crossing is starring Serbia, led by Novak Djokovic and Borna Coric, against Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov's Russia.
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