Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Nadal vs Dolgopolov: Indian Wells Fourth Round

Nadal is running a marathon at Indian Wells Tennis tournament. He hasn't had even a day's rest to get ready for the next match. He was there yesterday and he is here again Wednesday for his fourth round match against Alexander Dolgopolov.

Dolgopolov vs Nadal tonight

This is the third time in their careers that Nadal and Dolgopolov are meeting head to head. I don't have to tell that Nadal overpowered Dolgopolov on both previous encounters in straight sets.

For Ukrainian Dolgopolov, today's match will be difficult as he will be quite under pressure meeting Nadal who is vying to clinch the title this time. Although 21st ranked Dolgopolov has won all three previous matches, these have not been easier for him to win, which shows his level of preparedness and form. The mere results of last three matches speak for themselves: Darcis 6-7(13), 6-3, 7-5 Marcos and  Baghdatis 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 on Tuesday. Although Dolgopolov is now 10-5 for his 2012 campaign he will have to prove his form against Nadal if he has aspirations for reaching the top. 

In fact Nadal will be too tough for Dolgopolov, specially since thr latter has had rather long sets in the previous days and may not have completely recovered from the hangover. Nadal knows this and he will take on Dolgopolov with his powerful ground strokes and longer rallies to make him sweat, run and then tire out.

Speculations are that Nadal will win in straight sets with score not going beyond 6-2, 6-2.

The match commences 22:00 GMT Wednesday 14 March 2012.

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