RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

Rafa defeated Omar Jasika, Mark Philippoussis and Fernando Verdasco in the short format designed to showcase the past, present and future of the game.

Rafael Nadal enjoyed playing the FAST4 format at the renovated Margaret Court Arena that will be centre stage at the Australian Open next week

Nadal was returning to action at the benefit night for his charitable foundation following two months out due to wrist problems and appendix surgery.

Fast4, dubbed tennis’ version of cricket’s Twenty20, features short sets and tie breaks in a quick-fire competition in advance of the Australian Open.

In a pair of one-set shoot-outs, Nadal thrashed 17-year-old Jasika 4-1 in just 17 minutes before requiring two minutes less to register the same score against the veteran Philippoussis.

The world No 3. then edged his compatriot Verdasco 3-2 in a best-of-five sets match, winning 2-4 4-3 4-3 3-4 4-2.

Source: Sky Sports

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Рафа победил Омара Джасика 4/1 всего за 17 минут, затем Марка Филиппуссиса, с таким же счётом 4.1, и Фернандо Вердаско 2/4 4/3 4/3 3/4 4/2, в укороченном формате матчей, предназначенном для возможности представить прошлое, настоящее и будущее тенниса.

Рафаэлю Надалю понравилось играть в формате FAST4 на обновленной Маргарет Корт Арена, которая будет в центре внимания на следующей неделе на Australian Open

photo: Getty Images, AP

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