Rafael Nadal defeats compatriot Pablo Carreño at Rio Open
Rafael Nadal defeated his compatriot Pablo Carreño in two sets (6-1 and 6-4) in the first round of the Rio de Janeiro Open, in a match that was played under rain practically from start to finish.
Strong start for Nadal
Rafael Nadal had a strong start, only allowing a glimpse of reaction from Carreño in the middle of the first set, but he capitalized on the errors of the Asturian and imposed his game rhythm to close the set with a resounding 6-1.
Game, set, match @RafaelNadal! 6/1 6/4 against Carreño Busta. His next opponent is @NicoAlmagro. #RioOpen2016 pic.twitter.com/ZyvR3J9gwZ
— Rio Open (@RioOpenOficial) february 17, 2016
Rain interrupts play
The rain increased in the final games of the first set and forced a pause in the match for about an hour, although it continued to fall gently and intermittently for the rest of the match.
Carreño takes advantage of the break
The break did not suit Nadal well, Carreño took advantage of the situation, even breaking Nadal's serve and staying close on the scoreboard for the remainder of the match.
Nadal faces Almagro in the next round
In the round of 16, Rafael Nadal will face another fellow Spaniard, Nicolás Almagro, who defeated Spanish player Daniel Muñoz de la Nava in three sets. (EFE)