Nadal Survives Day of Upsets at Citi Open (photos)
By • August 5, 2021 0 2791
Rafael “Rafa” Nadal of Spain made his long anticipated debut at the Citi Open in Washington D.C. on Wednesday Aug. 4, but had to fight off a stiff challenge from American Jack Sock 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (1) in a day of upsets. The day already saw the exit of No. 3 seed Alex de Minaur, No. 4 Grigor Dimitrov, No. 6 Dan Evans, No. 9 Alexander Bublik, No. 10 Taylor Fritz and No. 13 Benoit Paire.
Nadal’s play showed periodic displays of brilliance, particularly in the first set of the over-three-hour match, including a spectacular back-to-the-net, between-the-legs volley which brought a standing ovation from the capacity crowd of 7500. However the ATP World Tour No. 3-ranked men’s singles player was clearly shaking off some of the rust from a two-month layoff and a painful foot injury.
The 20-time Grand Slam tournament champion is hoping to win his 89th ATP singles title here at the FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park in the District. Next up for Nadal, 14th-seeded South African Lloyd Harris in the quarterfinals on Friday.
According to ATPtour.com, Nadal expressed appreciation for the Citi Open crowds and confidence in his quarterfinals preparation: “Maybe [it] is not about resting, but the moment to just keep going,” Nadal said. “[It] is the moment to not practice much because I played a three-hour match, so I need to be ready for tomorrow…. “[I will] have a short warm-up tomorrow, try to be ready for the match. I’m going to have a tough opponent in front. Let’s see. Tomorrow’s another day, another opportunity to play in front of this amazing crowd. I want to enjoy the experience again.”
View Jeff Malet’s photos of the action as the 2021 Citi Open reaches the halfway point by clicking on the photo icons below.
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- Rafael Nadal enters the Stadium on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Rafael Nadal defeats Jack Sock in three sets on Wednesday. Photo by Jeff Malet.
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- Rafael Nadal defeats Jack Sock in three sets on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Rafael Nadal defeats Jack Sock in three sets on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Jack Sock returns against Rafi Nadal on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Rafael Nadal executes a spectacular behind the back through the legs return in the first set. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Kei Nishikori of Japan (photo) defeated American Sam Querrey 6-4 6-3 on Monday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- American Jenson Brooksby (photo) defeated Kevin Anderson of South Africa 7-6 6-3 on Monday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Eye on the ball, Kevin Anderson of South Africa (photo) serves to American Jenson Brooksby who eventually defeated him 7-6 6-3 on Monday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Ilya Ivashka of Belarus upsets 4 seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria the 4 seed loses to Ilya Ivashka of Belarus on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Jannik Sinner of Italy defeated Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland lost to Jannik Sinner of Italy on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Eventual winner 6’11” Reilly Opelka (USA) blasts a 140 mph serve against Daniel Galan of Colombia on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet).
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- John Millman of Australia defeated Elias Ymer of Sweden on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Denis Kudla (USA) defeated Taylor Fritz (USA) on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Taylor Fritz (USA) lost to Denis Kudla (USA) on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet).
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- Steve Johnson (USA) upset 3 seeded Alex de Minaur (AUS) on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Alex de Minaur of Austarlia, the number 3 seed is upset by Steve Johnson on Wednesday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- American Sam Querrey (photo) lost to Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-4 6-3 on Monday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Ilya Ivashka of Belarus (photo) defeated fellow countryman Egor Gerasimov 7-5 6-4 on Monday (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Daniel Elahi Galan of Columbia (photo) defeated American Tommy Paul on Monday (photo by Jeff Malet)
