Few people could predict that the Nadal would have been crashed in the second set 6-0 by Lacko (ranked 89 in the world).
It was a harsh match where after a difficult first set won at the tie break (3), the Spaniard had to face an unusual and humiliating 6-0 in the second set (he won only 11 points)
Last time Nadal lost 6-0 was in February 2009 from Andy Murray (he lost 6-4 6-3 6-0).
The Spaniard confirmed his exceptional concentration skills when he bounced back in the 3rd set with a 3-0 start. Then the world nr.1 managed to grab the third set 6-3.
‘I felt I had less power than usual. I feel a little bit tired at moments, and that’s what happened in the second and in the third.It was an important victory for me for the situation because Lacko played, I think, very well, and I had to be there and fight all the time to win.’ Nadal commented after the match.
Before Nadal’s match Roger Federer had another difficult win over his Swiss compatriot and friend Marco Chiudinelli by 7-6 (5) 7-5.
Federer commented ‘It was really difficult today, under the circumstances. Playing such a good friend is so rare for me. I’m happy the match is in the past and I can look forward.’
