Spanish star overcomes first-set slump against compatriot Ferrer
Briefly, and only briefly, Rafael Nadal was in a difficult spot in the French Open quarterfinals. For the first time in this year's tournament, the eight-time champion dropped a set.
Say it quietly, but some flaws are appearing in the suit of armor Rafael Nadal usually wears on a claycourt as the Spaniard sets his sights on a ninth French Open title.
Novak Djokovic extended his recent dominance over Rafael Nadal by rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory Sunday to win the Italian Open for the third time - then dedicated the title to his flood-hit native Serbia.
Rafael Nadal finally won another clay-court title, although not in a manner that alleviated any concerns about his recent form on his favorite surface.
Rafa Nadal is eager to get back to his favored clay after what he called a "good but not fantastic" start to the year with two titles and two runners-up spots, the world No 1 said on Wednesday.
Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal breezed into the Madrid Open third round with their title defenses facing little strain on Wednesday, while Andy Murray made a successful return to clay after nearly a year's absence.
Misfiring Rafa Nadal crashed out of the Barcelona Open on Friday at the hands of fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro who avenged last year's final defeat by winning their quarter-final 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.
Novak Djokovic tamed world number one Rafa Nadal 6-3 6-3 to claim his fourth Sony Open title on Sunday, denying the Spaniard a maiden win on the Miami hardcourts.
If there was ever a tennis match that was going to be a fight to death it would probably be between fiery Spaniard Rafa Nadal and the battling Australian Lleyton Hewitt.
Defending champions Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova were upset in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Monday.
Rafael Nadal launches his Indian Wells ATP Masters title defence still feeling the sting of his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the Australian Open final.