ROLEX PARIS MASTERS: NADAL RECORDS 1000TH MILESTONE TOUR –LEVEL WIN
Spaniard Raphael Nadal was a set down but fought back to overcome Feliciano Lopez, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in his opening match at the Rolex Paris Masters, achieving his 1000th tour –level win.
Nadal achieved the milestone at the back of his last trophy at the French Open where he captured his record-tying 20th Grand Slam.
The 34 year-old, Roland Garros Champion was delighted with the mark and becomes only the fourth Tennis player to reach the milestone- joining Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendi on the exclusive list.
He fought back from the first set which Lopez maintained consistency and broke the first serve, and eventually won the first game. Nadal bounced back in the second set with less errors and calmly rolled at the tie break after missing five break point opportunities.
In the third set, Nadal broke the set in the first game and triumphantly looking he maintained closing Lopez in a match that lasted two and half hours on court.
Nadal, attributed his success to consistency, playing well at the top level tennis and especially people that helped him in his career achievements.
“I know it is very special number, 1,000.Even if it’s not the same to celebrate something like this without a crowd, I enjoy it with ATP, with the president of the French (Tennis) Federation, Guy Forget, Supervisor and the ball boys
Lopez who had won in the pairs last two meetings, both at the 1000 events at Shanghai in 2014 and Cincinnati in 2015 succumbed to the power of Nadal. The Spaniard now has an improved record of 10-4 in their head-to-head series.
“I enjoy it and just can say thanks to all of them to make this moment a little bit more special.” Nadal said.
Meanwhile, Raphael Nadal will play unseeded Australia’s Jordan Thompson in his third match on Thursday. Jordan had defeated No15 seed Borna Coric in the second-round match 2-6,6-4.6-2 on Wednesday.
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