Nadal misses a shot but Fritz sends the loin strain wide… And then he can’t get a small ball back on the field. 0-30… Oh Rafa – sends a routine forehand wide. It was an opportunity… But he gets two break points when Fritz hits a backhand volley. This is shocking! The first… was saved by a big T-serve at 129 mph. Second… second serving… NO WAY! Fritz’s backhand hits the cable… and he falls! He’s got both hands up in apology – but inside he’ll be dancing! So good from Nadal – he plays Fritz and nails a forehand and then puts away a drop volley under pressure. Break point No3… saved by a long serve and simple forehand. Fritz gets in front, but rushes into the net… Work again… Great service. Waste behind Fritz. Another bruising rally ends with Fritz netting… another break point… AND RAFA UNDERSTOOD IT! A monster forehand has Fritz running and the backhand drop half-volley seals the break!
