Nadal served first, and held, a backhand winner the highlight. For Pablo, not as easy. Three break points arrived, a Nadal forehand winner, another forehand as good as a winner, and then a Pablo backhand error. One break point saved with a winning volley. The break came and Nadal led 2-0.
Just one point went against serve for the next three games, including two Nadal love games.
At 1-4, Pablo served. Nadal hit a forehand cross court winner. Pablo responded with a backhand down the line winner. A backhand winner from Nadal. A stunning running forehand from Nadal brought up two break points. Both saved, together with a third. A fourth break point came and was converted.
Nadal served for the set, and lost just a single point in taking it 6-1.
Set two began with Nadal breaking Pablo to love. For the next five games, only one point was dropped against serve, and each player delivered two love games. Pablo went to the line trailing 2-4, then faced three break points after Nadal hit a forehand winner, Pablo missed with a forehand, and Nadal repeated the forehand. An ace saved one, but then Nadal chased down a drop shot and passed Pablo with a delicate forehand while at the net.
Nadal served out the set 6-2
No game went as far as deuce in set three, except for the fifth where Pablo served. Nadal hit a forehand winner, threw in an unforced error, then Pablo contributed a forehand winner. 30-15. A Nadal backhand winner, and a forehand which Pablo barely touched, brought up break point. Pablo was helpless when another Nadal forehand was fired at him and the break was complete.
Nadal led 3-2, and after the break serve was held reliably until the top seed was required to deliver at 5-4.
Ace for 15-0. Forehand winner for 30-0. Service winner and three match points. Pablo hit the net with a backhand and the match ended.
Rafa Nadal won 6-1 6-2 6-4.
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