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By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, June 24, 2014

 
Rafael Nadal Wimbledon 2014

Rafael Nadal produced stellar shotmaking at the right moments to get past Martin Klizan in four sets at Wimbledon.

Photo Credit: AP

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal recently described Wimbledon as the "most dangerous tournament of the year". And no wonder. Nadal entered this year's event having not won a match on grass in two years. But he changed that record with a number in the win column on Tuesday, despite once again causing some to wonder while watching on Centre Court, "Not again."

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Martin Kiizan of Slovakia was tipped as potentially tricky first round match for Nadal and he didn't disappoint early. Klizan, a former top 30 player, who likes to hit big and often, looked ready for the opportunity right from the start. Both men fought off break points early before settling into several sizzling rallies. At 4-all, Klizan chased down a short Nadal volley to earn a break point. He converted when Nadal double faulted causing a mutual groan in the stands.

When Nadal sent a forehand long in the next game, Kilizan sealed the set 6-4. Would there be "Panic on the streets of London." again as The Smiths' former frontman Morrissey sang on UK television all those years ago?

For a while, there certainly was. When Klizan hit a rather Nadal-like looping forehand pass winner early in the second set, the Spaniard once again faced break points. Nadal fought back with a hold and suddenly looked more energized.

Before the tournament started, Nadal said he felt better physically entering this year's event than even last year. While Klizan still came up with winners, the only one perhaps not panicking was Nadal himself who acted as if he expected an extended afternoon at work. As Nadal started constructing longer rallies more to his liking, he slowly started taking control of the match.

Going up a break, Nadal would serve for the set at 5-3. Klizan threatened again with break points of his own. But Nadal's serve would get him out of trouble as he soon leveled the match.

Nadal electrified the Centre Court crowd early in the third during a stirring rally where he fell down, got back up, hit a few more balls, then ripped an incredible backhand pass winner. That soon led to one break for Nadal and then another for 3-0.

Not giving up, Klizan would stay in touch with Nadal and force the No. 2 seed to play heart-stopping tennis again. Chasing down a Kilzan lob, Nadal would then sprint back to retrieve a drop shot from the Slovakian. Nadal then flicked a backhand volley winner than Klizan could only respond to by throwing his racquet in the direction of the ball.

Nadal, thanks to a mistimed Klizan shot, eventually took the third set 6-3.

Was the crisis finally over? It certainly felt that way after Klizan began shrugging his shoulders after missed shots where just a few hours ago he brimmed with confidence. Though Nadal would get a break, Kilizan broke back with several penetrating returns for 4-3.

That would be Klizan's last real moment to perhaps force a fifth set. Down break point, Klizan struck a poorly hit drop shot that landed wide. Though holding a break advantage again, Nadal would be forced to deuce on his serve. Firing down a big delivery, Nadal erased a break point. One more final big serve from Nadal on his second match point soon completed the 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory.


The win for Nadal was also extra special not just because of the surface. Nadal posted his 700th career win and is only the 11th player in the Open Era to record such a milestone.

"I really know it is impossible to play my best in the first round. For sure the next round will be tough. The last three years I did not play much on grass and that affects your rhythm and confidence," Nadal later said to BBC Sport.

Another potential test awaits in the second round for Nadal. Lucas Rosol, who beat Nadal in the second round two years ago, is back again for another try. Nadal, though very happy to get through today, will certainly not want to experience deja vu of any kind.

 

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