Nadal reveals potential in Costa coup
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In years to come we may recall the night under floodlights at the Monte Carlo Open when barely 200 spectators stayed to see Rafael Nadal, a 16-year-old qualifier, dismantle his Spanish compatriot Albert Costa, the French Open champion, 7-5, 6-3.
Nadal, the nephew of the Spanish international footballer, Miguel Angel Nadal, who was known as "The Beast of Barcelona," displayed fortitude and confidence in recovering from 0-2 in the opening set to rattle the astute, experienced Costa en route to the last 16. The win guarantees the Majorcan a place in the world top 100 next week.
This was not simply a case of raw talent striking lucky. The sturdy Nadal, a junior semi-finalist at Wimbledon last year, out-rallied Costa to win lengthy points, finding breathtaking angles with powerful drives and frustrating his opponent with delicate lobs and drop-shots.
Resolute play – Nadal spent nine minutes trying in vain to hold serve in the opening game – turned the contest into a test of endurance as well as skill. Nadal won the first set on his sixth set point after an hour and 15 minutes. He recovered a break at the start of the second set before cracking Costa's serve for 3-1, and responded impressively after Costa broke in the seventh game. Nadal stretched his lead to 5-3 and served out the match after two hours.
"I think I treated him with too much respect at the start," Nadal said. "Albert didn't have a good day, but I played very well." He now plays Guillermo Coria, of Argentina, who eliminated James Blake. The American 15th seed, fought gamely from 0-6, 2-4 before falling, 6-0, 6-7, 6-3.
It is possible that all the twists and turns of their matches against each other contributed to Gustavo Kuerten and Magnus Norman both having to undergo hip surgery. Nevertheless, they were involved in another up-and-downer yesterday when they met for the 10th time.
Kuerten, as usual, was up. On this occasion the Brazilian led his Swedish opponent, 6-1, 5-2. Norman managed to hold serve to love, after which Kuerten walked across the clay court with a gait that suggested he imagined he was on a beach. His concentration had broken, and so was his serve. Norman, growing in confidence, went on to win, 1-6, 7-5, 6-2. "This is huge for me," he said, recalling that in the 2000 French Open final against Kuerten he recovered from two sets down, only to be lose on the 11th match point in the fourth set.
Kuerten, a winner in Monte Carlo in 1999 and 2001, and three times the French Open champion, wanted to fight to the last point yesterday, but Norman drained away his confidence. The Swede now plays Filippo Volandri, an Italian qualifier, who eliminated the sixth-seeded David Nalbandian, the Argentinian runner-up at Wimbledon last year, 6-2, 7-6.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments