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Nadal gallops to 45-minute win over Santoro in Qatar

Updated on: 07 January,2009 09:25 AM IST |
Agencies |

Rafael Nadal needed little more than three-quarters of an hour to score his first victory on the 2009 ATP World Tour, his crushing success appearing like an omen of yet further triumphs to come.

mera no 1! Spaniard Rafael Nadal serves to France's Fabrice Santoro in the ATP Qatar Open in Doha, Qatar yesterday. Nadal 6-0, 6-1. pic/ap

The Wimbledon, French Open and Olympic champion won 6-0, 6-1 against Fabrice Santoro in the first round of the Qatar Open, overwhelming the oldest man on the tour with his heavy hitting and relentless energy.

Santoro, a 36-year-old former Davis Cup hero, later hailed the Spaniard, who won 51 of the 66 points in the match.

Impressive
"It was really impressive being on the other side of the net against Nadal," said Santoro generously.

"Now I understand why Roger Federer missed volleys playing against him, something I previously couldn't understand," he added, referring to the deceptive weight of shot which Nadal creates, rather than the speed of hitting.

Nadal was pleased to win so quickly. "I hope to do that," he said, unconcerned at the brevity of the match practice.

"With my topspin, his ball is not the worst one for me. When he plays slice, that's a good ball for me."

Nadal felt pleased to have played such a close match in the exhibition final against Andy Murray in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, even though he lost it, believing that his preparation for the Australian Open in 12 days time is now further advanced.

But he was not prepared to suggest how far close he is, at this early stage, to his best. "You are never sure how far away you are," he said.

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