www.Sportal.de, July 2003
Thanks to joes for the translation
Set 1
Off we go! Both youngsters appear on court. Rafael Nadal is known as one of the greatest talents in the tennis circus. He celebrated his 17th birthday only a month ago. Philipp Petzschner is even one year younger, and has so far only played one match on the ATP tour.
Rafael Nadal shows right from the beginning, in his first service game, that it will be a tough one for the German. The German has not been able to make a point so far.
Well, unbelievable how strong and free the young German plays here. Especially his serves are very good, and he is able to put pressure on the opponent with his ground strokes. Great play here!
Now Petzschner even has a chance for a break, it�s 30-30! A pity, Philipp, you couldn�t make the break here. Still, the 16 y/o isn�t giving anything away.
There is a humming going through the audience. The German fans are amazed about what is going on on this center court.
The humming changes into a thundering support. Time and again we see exciting rallies. Petzschner is a bit too hectic when playing the big points.
Nadal just can�t find an answer to the German�s serve. That gives the German cheap and quick points. Just don�t lose your calm, Philipp!
The young Spaniard obviously has found his rhythm. The first serve is getting better and better, now the pressure is on Petzschner�s shoulders.
But Petzschner also masters this difficult situation. The boy even plays serve and volley at times, a real cheek on clay!
And again Petzschner was the more active player in this game. Because of that, obviously, he makes more mistakes than his opponent. But as before, the young German�s play here is great to watch.
Now that is a (*expletive*) shame for Petzschner. For the first time he has some problems in his own service game and he has to resign to being broken. He lacks the experience one should bring in those dire situations.Still, a super match between the two youngsters so far.
Set 2
Nadal has no problems in his first service game of the second set. Petzschner should stay focussed and not think back annoyed because of the lost set.
Petzschner did that really well. In spite of an unnecessary double fault that makes it 40-40 he stays calm and evens up 1-1.
The German has not really put away all thoughts of the loss of the first set, it seems. His body language was more positive ten minutes ago. But that could change quickly.
Petzschner more and more in problems in his own service games. The first serve is not always going in and promptly the German has to face the first break in this second set. Now things are really looking difficult for the 16 y/o from Bayreuth.
Petzschner somehow makes a sad impression. He should be looking forward, nothing is lost yet! It�s only one break.
The German fans try everything to cheer up Petzschner but in vain. He suffers another break and is standing with his back against the wall. Matchpoint Nadal. But even if the second set clearly went to the Spaniard, Petzschner can be proud of his good achievement here. Nice to see that we have such a talented young player in our country.
**Many thanks to joes for the translation from German. Please do not copy or use without the permission of joes and Rafaelnadal.com. Thanks.**
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