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Henk Abbink Reports From Monte Carlo: Rafa Survives Young Dimitrov
2 Comments · Posted by Staff in Bios
Text and Photos By Henk Abbink
RAFA SURVIVES
I just returned from the roller coaster match between Rafa and Dimitrov. As much as Rafa dominated the first set (6-2), playing Dimitrov like he plays Federer, he became very defensive during the second. Dimitrov played incredible and very aggressive tennis, was a little lucky at the right moments (net cord and line balls) but totally deserved to win the second set (6-2).
I was shooting right next to uncle Toni. It was obvious Rafa’s bench was worried and they had every reason to be. Toni would get up and throw supportive shouts into his nephew’s direction. It was also obvious Rafa needed all the support he could get as it seemed, at times, he was completely overwhelmed by the way Dimitrov responded. From close by at 3-3 in the third Dimitrov showed signs of physical problems. The fourth backhand stroke-in-a-row had no power whatsoever and that is where trouble was looming for the young gun.
Seizing the opportunity, Rafa broke in the ninth game and served out the match (6-4). Dimitrov, once again, showed his capacity to play with the big boys. Once his fitness improves some more, there’s no doubt we will see many more great matches. The spectators were thrilled with the young Bulgarian’s performance. He got a standing ovation from the crowd when leaving the stadium.
At the post match press conference Nadal stated that he believes Dimitrov has top 10 potential.
"Super G" earns standing ovation
tootsie · April 20, 2013 at 5:28 am
Whew! That was too close for comfort. Rafa quit being Rafa there in the second set and it cost him although Dimitrov certainly played well and made life difficult for Rafa.
Love Rafa’s attitude. The interviewer afterwards said something about Rafa surviving a scare and Rafa smiled and said it wasn’t a scare, it was tennis. He keeps telling everybody that these other guys are good and that the matches are tough. He said it’s sport, and one is going to win and one is going to lose and everyday he has to play his best in order to beat the other guy.
Hope the conditions aren’t too awful today. Rain or drizzle will make the court and the balls heavy and that plays in Tsonga’s favour. Like Rafa says, he can’t keep winning forever and has to lose some day but I just hope this match isn’t the day. Vamos Rafa!
Henk · April 20, 2013 at 5:17 pm
Nice comment Tootsie! Spoken by a true, but realistic and respectful Rafa fan. It was indeed very, very close. Even though it was much colder today than the other days, it was dry and we even had sunshine in between. For the final we expect slightly higher temperatures than today but the chance of rain is a lot higher, which could favor Novak.