2017 Miami Open R2 Rafael Nadal bt. Dudi Sela 6/3 6/4
Next opponent - Philipp Kohlschreiber
“It was difficult to find the right feelings this afternoon, but it’s these kind of days where you have to just try to win. That's what I did and I am very happy with that,” said Nadal. “This tournament is a tough tournament and anything can happen. I think I had a good week of practice, so I need to play good in the competition now to try and have success.”
“It’s obvious all the tournaments need improvements, and this tournament had some troubles to make that happen, but the players’ area for having lunch has improved a lot the last two years,” he said. “I had lunch here today and the food improved a lot, which is important for players. Key Biscayne is a gorgeous place, and I hope it stays here; but if it has to move, the most important thing is that the tournament stays in Miami because Miami is a city well known all around the world, and it’s important we have our most important tournaments in important cities.”
“The year just started,” Nadal said. “We have nine Master 1000s and have only played one. We have four Grand Slams and only played one. It is true Roger started unbelievable, and I am playing well. Andy and Novak didn’t start as strong as they did last couple of years. But in my opinion, they are the favorites because they have been there for the last couple of years, playing more consistently than we did.”
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Rafa: "First thing you have to do in days like today is to accept the errors, accept that things are complicated and conditions are ugly"
"You have to have the right intensity in the legs & be mentally awake to rectify all the time. It's a match with little to analyze"
"Most positive thing's the victory.Pleased to go back to the hotel w/a win. Tomorrow I have another day to train to get ready for next" (via Genny SS)
Photos: Miami Open; Getty Images; USA TODAY Sports; REX; El Heraldo
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