The tennis community certainly misses Rafael Nadal as many believe he is in the final stages of his tennis career. So let’s fill the hole he left in our hearts with an exciting men’s doubles rally at the 2016 Indian Wells Open.
Nadal had teamed up with fellow countryman Fernando Verdasco and the duo undoubtedly produced some exciting entertainment with their collaboration at the Sunshine Double event with the likes of Mike Tyson, Hillary Swank and Kaley Cuoco all watching.
They started their campaign in the round of 32, where they faced American greats Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan. The stars put on an exciting show for an hour and 30 minutes before the Bryan brothers were finally declared the winners.
But the Spaniards had their brilliant moments, with their most outrageous performance coming in the second set.
The pair faced a barrage of strikes from the Bryan twins, forcing Nadal and Verdasco to find a moment of magic – and that’s exactly what they conjured up. Nadal shot down a worrying attempt and executed a perfect shot behind the back to keep the rally going. This gave Verdasco a chance to win the point with a wild forehand shot.
“Oh, you must be joking. What was that?” said the stunned commentator: “A standing ovation, and deservedly so. Watch this hands-on exercise; no way. Whatever it takes to keep going, Spanish boys will do it. Leave it to me; ‘I’ll take care of the forehand,’ says Verdasco.”
A rally for the ages that showcased the specialties of the super Spaniards.
Despite the duo’s dedicated efforts, the Bryan brothers were able to win in a 3-6, 7-5, 10-8 win to mark the third seed’s seventh doubles win over Nadal.
The Americans showed their appreciation for the supporters who helped them find the extra equipment to send the Spanish home.
“The American crowd really got behind us and kept us going because we weren’t really close to our best early on,” said Bob Bryan. “We stayed in there and got a bit of momentum there at the end of the second, but it took a while.”
The story goes on
Mike Bryan added: “A bunch of A-list celebrities out there. It was pretty cool. We watched the big screen as we sat down at the changeovers and saw Mike Tyson, Larry Ellison, Hillary Swank. Our friend Kaley Cuoco was out there. She is considered an A-lister. It was a great atmosphere, just right when we walked out. It’s a kind of special court.”
The brothers then continued their title chase through to the quarterfinals when they lost to eighth-seeded Nenad Zimonjic and Edouard Roger-Vasselin after a thrilling performance that ended 4-6, 6-1, 14-12 .
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