[4] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [63] Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO)
It was their first meeting and not a memorable one for the Georgian native. Was it the occasion that created such tension in Basilashvili? There is no doubt he was overwhelmed and is a much better player than the score indicated. However, we should not get blinded by the score in thinking that Nadal is invincible, if nothing else, tennis teaches players to be humble and never take anything for granted. Nadal is the one player who openly speaks about humility, so I do not think he will read too much into this score, because he fully understands that his opponent did not play his best today.
Nadal’s fans however, most surely were jumping for joy at the ease with which he was able to dispatch of Basilashvili. Every easy match that a player gets at a Major is a plus because it minimizes the fatigue as the tournament progresses. Even though Nadal will probably not think he had much of a workout today, his team will appreciate that the emotional toll was not significant. The fatigue that every tennis player deals with is a combination of the emotional and physical toll. If you can minimize either, you will benefit in tournaments that are best of five sets.
I watched this match thinking two things: When was Basilashvili going to get his game going? Was Nadal going to get nervous and give his lead back? I was impressed because he seemed to play with so much calm today. Although he had an anxious moment in the third set, he was never in danger of losing this match and had one of the most comprehensive drumming of an opponent I had ever seen. He won 6-0, 6-1, 6-0.
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I am so sorry that I couldn’t see that match…all I could do was follow the live scores on my phone. I actually got to the point where I began to root for Basilashvili to win a game or two….any sporting event that lopsided makes me very nervous. I know that Rafa is too talented and wise and he’s been around too long to let this go to his head and go into the next match overly confident. However, it was one hell of a beatdown!! I virtually agree with everything that you said.