2009 MIAMI MASTERS

2nd Round

           RAFAEL NADAL    v   TEIMURAZ GABASHVILI

6-2, 6-2     

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal kicked off his Miami campaign with a win over Teimuraz Gabashvili in straight sets.

Gabashvili came out with the game plan that he would not trade ground strokes from the back of the court, but he

would blast each ball as hard as he could in an attempt to overpower Nadal.  Gabashvili also used his powerful

125mph first serve to take control of points on his service game. 

The win was not as comfortable for Nadal as the scoreline indicates.

The first set appeared firmly in hand as the Spaniard held for 2-0. Gabashvili suddenly got inspired in the third game of the match.

The Russian hit a spectacular crosscourt backhand winner for 15-15, then went on a ten point win streak.

Nadal looked shell-shocked as Gabashvili broke him at love in his next service game for 2-2.
Nadal was on fire in the second set. He quickly strode out to a 4-1 lead, with an opportunity to serve the match out at 5-2.

Gabashvili was able to get to deuce, but Nadal was too strong.

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