During the first changeover of the match between No. 22 Younes El Aynaoui and Rafael Nadal, the photographers arrived, walking across the court and parking themselves on a bench for what was expected to be an electrifying match between an elder statesman and a 17-year-old hotshot on the rise.
But the 31-year-old Moroccan wasn't in the mood for a late night. He sent the long-haired teen home in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3, 7-6.

Spaniard Nadal has generated more than his share of buzz since rising in the rankings from 213 at the end of last year to his current 45 and reaching the third round of this year's Wimbledon, his first Grand Slam. He had also beaten El Aynaoui once this year, on clay at Bastad.

El Aynaoui got an early break in the first set, most likely before Nadal had accelerated to full speed. By the end of the set, the Spaniard was mixing it up. Some balls bounced like they had springs under them. Others seemed to be jet-propelled. He broke El Aynaoui's serve at 4-5 with a lucky drop shot that hit the tape and fell over. El Aynaoui reached the ball but dumped it into the net. Then he dumped his racket into his opponent's court. But ever a gentleman, the Moroccan immediately apologized to Nadal and the chair umpire, who gave him a warning anyway.

El Aynaoui went on to win the first set tiebreak with an ace, one of 15 in the match.

After a quick second set and a break at 4-4 in the third, it looked like El Aynaoui had finally worn down the Spaniard. But Nadal got a break right back, won the next game without allowing El Aynaoui a point and promptly sat down to eat a banana.

Both players had pockets full of crowd-pleasing winners. El Aynaoui posted 45, Nadal, 41. But El Aynaoui got the last word, sending one cross-court for victory.

Nadal will no doubt be a factor in coming years. For now, El Aynaoui advances to the third round, where he will face No. 10 Jiri Novak.

**Thanks to Catsou for the article. Please do not use or copy without credit to the original source and VamosRafael.com. Thanks.**

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