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By Chris Oddo | Thursday August 18, 2016

 
Borna Coric

19-year-old Borna Coric surged past a fatigued Rafael Nadal to book his first career Masters 1000 quarterfinal.

Photo Source: AFP

The Olympic hangover has finally caught up with Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard put forth a lethargic performance in Cincinnati on Thursday, falling to Borna Coric for the second time in three career meetings, 6-1, 6-3.

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Nadal, who seemed to be dealing with soreness in his upper left arm, crawled out of the gates and was ceaselessly attacked by the opportunistic Croat. More than the upper arm, the cumulative effects of having played over 23 hours of tennis at the Rio Olympic Games last week might have finally taken its toll on Spaniard.

Coric, bidding to end a 10-match losing streak against the Top 10 and reach his first Masters quarterfinal, was more than ready to seize the opportunity. The 19-year-old hardly put a foot wrong in the early going, and after he built a 6-1, 4-0 lead he resisted a late charge from Nadal, saving a break point while serving at 5-3, and smashing a backhand winner to convert his second match point at the 72-minute mark.

Coric, who struck 18 winners to just nine for Nadal, will move on to face the winner of tonight’s clash between Tomas Berdych and Marin Cilic.

Part of ATP’s collection of young players on the rise, tabbed team #NextGen, Coric has long been considered a future star of the game. But he has struggled at times this year, particularly against top players.

His effort in Cincinnati has reminded many of his vast potential. He surged past Nick Kyrgios in a third-set tiebreaker on Wednesday, and during that match demonstrated how firm and focused of a competitor he is.

If there is a weakness in Coric’s game it is his forehand. He tends to be passive with the shot and is much more steady and aggressive from the other wing. But his competitive spirit, maturity and desire to improve are undiminished. They should serve him well in the years to come.

With his victory, Coric became the first 19-year-old to reach the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 event in eight years.




 

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