RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

2021 Barcelona Open R2 Rafael Nadal bt. Ilya Ivashka 3-6 6-2 6-4

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Rafa: “He played well. He played at a very high level, and I didn’t, especially at the beginning. And then I think I changed a little bit the way I played. I was more aggressive later, and the match changed a lot. I’m happy I fought hard today to be in the third round. That’s what I needed after the loss at Monte-Carlo.”

“I’m sure that I’m going to have the chance to play better, and I’m going to fight for it. I have the confidence that I’m not very far from playing well, even if the last two matches haven’t been perfect. But here I am, and I am with the right energy to try hard. It’s a process… I’m confident that by working every day I’m going to find the solutions.”

• Rafa before the match

Photos:  Quality Sport Images; Getty Images; AFP; AP; EFE

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