On the paper it wasn’t a difficult match for the world nr.1.
He had to play against a young player with a much lower APT ranking (199), something easy for a living legend.
But there was a sense of optimism from Tomic: he was convinced that he could make it. This triggered a general sentiment in Melbourne that this could be a memorable match. and that they could witnesses of one of the most incredible upsets in tennis history.
But hope sometimes collides with reality and Nadal is a player that does not crumble very easily (unless he is injured).
The beginning of the match was a bit tense with Nadal struggling against the odd slow pace of Tomic’s shots. The Australian had also an early break point that could not convert, but then the opening set ended 6-2.
The second set was much more difficult for the Spaniard. Tomic had the upper hand till he was 4-2. Then he could not hold his serve and he eventually lost the second set 7-5.
It was pretty clear that Nadal had good chance to finish the match in straight sets and.. that was it: the last set finished 6-3 for the Spaniard.
What did we get from the match? Well Tomic is a very good player and his shots make the opponents play not a good tennis. He changes his rhythm a lot and can switch in the same rally from very slow shots (almost annoying) to ‘flashing’ ones. But apparently it is not enough. If he wants to compete at very high levels he has to be more consistent, more aggressive and improve his foot work (sometimes he looks a bit sloppy). He is only 18 and he is talented and in the future to come he will definitely compete at top levels.
Regarding Nadal, he did not have a great day, but it was a strange and difficult match. He once again showed why he is world nr.1. The Spaniard managed to win in straight sets a match where he did not feel comfortable at all. This was clear from the outset when he started his first serve game with an unusual double fault. But tennis players have to play with what they have in that specific match, Nadal did not have much of his game, but it was still a lot!
Nadal will play next match against Cilic that came out a very tough match with Isner 4-6 6-2 6-7 (5) 7-6 (2) 9-7.
