By Chris Oddo | Sunday, February 23, 2014
A day after an epic struggle with Pablo Andujar, Rafael Nadal was in fine form against Alexandr Dolgopolov in the Rio Open Final.
Photo Source: Buda Mendes/ Getty
On Saturday, Rafael Nadal had to struggle to keep alive his 49-match wining streak in clay-court semifinals. He was up and down and appeared to be struggling with his back during the three-set, high-drama victory over Pablo Andujar.
On Sunday, Nadal looked like a different man. He didn't light up the stat sheet (he was outdone in the winner category by 34-16), but he did play with fire and move as quick as lightning. When it was all said and done, Nadal tied Guillermo Vilas with his 62nd career title after defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov, 6-3, 7-6(3), in the Rio Open final.
Below, observe a sample of Nadal's handiwork. Watch as the Spaniard takes off running after Dolgopolov hits his backhand smash at an extreme angle, then whips a down-the-line forehand to set up his dead letter dropper, which wins the point.
Nadal has captured his 43rd clay-court title with the victory, and he now needs only three more to tie the legendary Vilas in that category.
Will he get it done this year?