Nadal Passes Mannarino Test In Beijing

Second seed Rafael Nadal overcame a mid-match surge from Adrian Mannarino on Thursday at the China Open, prevailing in a tight second set to advance in their second-round match under the lights, 6-1, 7-6(6).

“I think I played a fantastic first set. Great level of tennis, serving very good, hitting so good. During the second set, I slowed the rhythm a little bit and he played very well,” said Nadal. “I feel very happy that I won that tie-break. I think I played with the right amount of determination in the tie-break. It’s very important for my confidence to pass through these tough moments.”

The 2005 China Open champion was initially ruthless against Mannarino, breaking the Frenchman three times as he won nine of the first 11 games. But Mannarino rallied from 1-3 in the second set to bring things back on serve at 3-3 and eventually force a tie-break. Nadal was unable to make good on a 5/3 lead or a match point on Mannarino’s serve at 6/5, but earned a mini-break to go up 7/6 and closed out the contest on his second match point.

Nadal has been in top form this week, dropping just nine games in his first two matches. Currently in eighth place in the Emirates ATP Race to London, a title here will go a long way in shoring up his spot at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Next up for Nadal is Grigor Dimitrov, who was two points away from defeat in the second set before clawing back to upset sixth seed Lucas Pouille, 6-7(3), 7-6(0), 6-4. Nadal has dominated their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry 7-0, but four of those matches have gone to a deciding set.

“He’s a great player that is playing well. He’s one of the players on tour with high potential,” said Nadal. “I know I have to play my best tennis to win against him, so I’m trying to focus on that.” 

Watch Dimitrov Interview

The Bulgarian was dangerously close to defeat when Pouille served for the match at 5-4, 30/15 in the second set. But the Frenchman faltered and Dimitrov fought his way back into contention, claiming the next three points to level and dominating the ensuing tie-break. A break of serve in the fifth game of the third set proved decisive for Dimitrov as he claimed a hard fought victory in two hours and 26 minutes.

“I just believed today,” said Dimitrov. “Especially in the second set, when he was serving for the match. I felt I was playing good tennis. I just missed a few opportunities early on and throughout the second he was playing really good. All I could do was stay composed, try to hit every ball that I could and use every opportunity. They came a bit late, but I’m pretty happy with it.”

Dimitrov claimed his 34^th win of the season. The Bulgarian has enjoyed a resurgence in the second half of the year, under the guidance of Dani Vallverdu. Since joining forces over the summer, Dimitrov has compiled a 14-5 mark, highlighted by a run to the Cincinnati semi-finals (l. to Cilic).

Through to his ninth quarter-final of the season, Dimitrov is bidding to reach his third final, following runner-up finishes in Sydney and Istanbul.