World number 1 tennis player Rafael Nadal defeated Aleksandra Dolgopolov of Ukraine in straight sets to win the Rio Open 2014 tennis title. Rafael Nadal who is considered as one of the greatest tennis player of all time and greatest tennis player of clay court won the final in straight sets. Rio Open was organized for the first time in Brazil and it was $1.5 Million prize money event. This ATP 500 event of Brazil saw the participation from star tennis players like world number 1 Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Nicolas almagro, Fabio Fogini, Tommy Robredo. Playing in the inaugural edition of Rio Open, Nadal looked in his sublime playing on his favorite clay court.
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| Rafael Nadal with Rio Open trophy (Photo credit : indianexpress.com) |
On his way to final of Rio Open, Nadal had to sweat long against the fellow Spaniard Pablo andujar. Nadal won the semifinal against Andujar by 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 to book his final berth. Aleksandra Dolgopolov made a big upset in semifinal when he defeated 2nd seeded David Ferrer of Spain. Dolgopolov defeated David Ferrer in straight sets by 6-4, 6-4.
Nadal made number of mistakes in the semi-final, but he recovered quickly and improved quickly when it needed the most to win the title. Nadal looked in control of the match and won the first set by 6-3 in quick time. The way he played in first set it looked as if it is going to be a one sided affair. But, in second set Aleksandra improved his game and put up a tough fight against the number 1.
King of clay court Rafael Nadal has to struggle against the Ukrainian before winning the 2nd set by 7-5 and also the match in straight sets. With the win in 2nd set Nadal won the inaugural Rio Open 2014 title in straight sets over the Aleksanda Dolgopolov. Rio Open is 62nd tour level title for Rafael Nadal and his 2nd title in 2014 after Sydney International Open 2014 title.
Rafael Nadal is tied 7th with Guillermo Vilas in Open era title winners list and he is two trophies behind of the Bjorn Borg and tennis legend Pete Sampras. The title win in Rio de Janerio made Rafael Nadal richer by $316,400 and also 500 ATP points. Dolgopolov despite losing in final got richer by $142,650 and also by 300 ATP points.
Always, when you win a title, it’s special!- Rafael Nadal
World number 1 Rafael Nadal has a 16-1 win-loss record in 2014 calendar year, he lost in the final of Australian Open against Stanislas Wawrinka. Nadal looked in great shape fitness wise and looked equally potent as he used to be after returning to tennis circuit after the injury. The way he played and won the Rio Open title, he looks pretty much on the way to his 9th French Open Title.
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