Nadal Races into Montreal Quarterfinals
Sarah Alvanipour
August 11th, 2005
It was another victoire for the nineteen-year-old top seed in Montreal today, as he derailed Sebastian Grosjean�s bid for another quarterfinal appearance at the Masters Series Canada, his last coming in 2002, and the atmosphere was similar to that in Paris, where the two last played, in culture and language, if not in spirit.
During their controversial match at Roland Garros, Grosjean, the talented Frenchman, had the partisan crowd on his side and presented a challenge and the greatest threat to the eventual champion before his meeting with Roger Federer.
The atmosphere today was similar to the weather, bright and upbeat and the tennis was as hot as the climbing on-court thermostat.
Though Nadal won in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 today, maintaining his flawless record thus far in the tournament by not losing his serve in three matches, the score line is closer that what the numbers will have you believe.
Grosjean came up some clever shots and used his fast wheels to chase down numerous balls in their many side-to-side rallies, but Nadal did what he does best: he loaded his ground strokes with topspin and came up with a few counterpunches of his own. Whether it was a blistering forehand winner, a delicately placed lob, or a retrieved drop shot, Nadal seemed to have an answer for almost everything the Frenchman threw at him today.
Nadal earned early breaks in both sets to lead throughout the match but came close to drawing even again when he attempted to serve for the first set and ultimately later, the match. Grosjean put the pressure on his Spanish counterpart during these critical times, earning a breakpoint in each set game, but Nadal came back to improve upon his 12-4 hard court record.
Though playing without his uncle and coach, Toni, in the stands, Nadal does not seem to be faltering to the pressure of being the top seed. In fact, he seems to be enjoying it.
If he continues to balance his offensive and defense game as he did today, Nadal�s chances for a third TMS title look favorable. If he does claim the crown, he will continue the monopoly he and Federer have placed upon the Masters Series events, adding a third to his impressive resume and splitting the five shields they have won collectively thus far this year.
Up next for the teenager? A date with Argentine Mariano Puerta, his fellow Roland Garros finalist. Nadal and countryman Tommy Robredo withdrew from their second-round doubles match against the No. 2 seeds, Bob and Mike Bryan. Robredo lost a close match to Gaston Gaudio earlier today.
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