Swedishopen.org
July 11, 2024
In the longest match of the tournament, Nicolas Lapentti ended Rafael Nadal�s run in B�stad.
Nadal came out with the same energy and sharpness as in his previous two matches of the tournament. Lapentti found it difficult to cope with Nadal�s powerful forehand and lost the first set 6-3. At 1-1 in the second, Lapentti changed his strategy and began to attack the net. This proved to be a good tactical change, as the Ecuadorian No. 1 managed to break Nadal�s serve later in the set and then serve it out to 6-3.
In the third, Lapentti continued to make life difficult for the young Spaniard and had break points in Nadal�s first two service games. But Nadal got out of the trouble after hitting some awesome forehands down the line. Both players then held serve throughout the set to take the match into a deciding tiebreak. Before this, however, Nadal had missed the opportunity to take advantage of four match points � one at 5-4 and the other three at 6-5. In the tiebreak, Lapentti continued to play with a lot of intelligence by varying his game. This gave him a 5-2 lead. Nadal didn�t give up and won the next four points to give him yet another match point. This time, Nadal had the advantage of being the server, but once again Lapentti stayed in the match after a great rally. Lapentti went on to win the next two points and the match.
The crowd was ecstatic after the show that had been displayed on Center Court. Both players were given standing ovations on their way out. Before this, Lapentti had some nice words to say about his ten year younger opponent.
- This kid is a great player with a great attitude. We will see him for many years, the Ecuadorian said.
Nadal showed a lot of maturity after the loss. Instead of complaining about the five missed match points, he was in a good mood at the press conference.
- I�m disappointed for the match but very happy about the tournament. I beat two good players but I wasn�t lucky in the end today, Nadal said.
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