bet-at-home Open, Hamburg

[CR10] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [CR31] Pablo Cuevas (URU)

Despite the score line, this was not an easy victory for Nadal. Cuevas dropped his serve early; however, he had opportunities to get back into the set/match. He pushed Nadal in the first set in an attempt to get back in the match. Nevertheless, the loss of the first set seemed to discourage Cuevas, surprising given the nature of their last encounter. The second set was much easier for Nadal. He took the 6-3, 6-2 victory. He will play Andreas Seppi in the semifinals as Simone Bolelli withdrew due to “stomach illness”.  Nadal leads their head-to-head 5:1; yet, Seppi has been playing some quality tennis lately and can be an unexpected threat.

Swiss Open Gstaad, Switzerland

[CR39] Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) vs. [CR49] Pablo Andujar (ESP)

Things were going Andujar’s way; he won the first set and theoretically, should have relaxed and won this match in straight sets. Yet, tennis requires a consistent commitment in every point/game. Winning one set does not guarantee the victory and letting your guard down is bound to complicate the issue. Sometimes, it’s the fact that your opponent elevated his/her game that changes the complexity of the match. Thus, you must be prepared to do the same or risk losing the match. Bellucci elevated his game and Andujar lost his focus after losing the second set. Bellucci won 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 and has a chance to make his third final in Switzerland if he can get by his opponent in the semifinals.