Montreal: Rafa nadal passes test

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Rafa Nadal has just made another significant step forward towards total recovery by beating German Philipp Petzschner in straight sets, 6-3 6-2, in the third round of the Montreal Masters Series Tournament.

The Australian Open champ got a warm greeting from the centre court crowd as he entered the stadium looking great in a striking royal blue shirt with bright yellow bands on his head and wrist, however, it was his form and confidence that really got the fans going.

The match itself was a much better test for Rafa’s knees as he proved that it’s only a matter of time before he reaches his idea level. He shot off to a quick 3-0 lead in the first set and never looked back as he advanced to the quarter-finals in an impressive 69-minute showing.

“My goal here is only try to improve every day, and I think I am doing [that],” said Rafa at a press conference. “I need more matches to get the rhythm, you know, the physical and tennis rhythm, because [it will help me] move a little bit better,” nevertheless “I am very happy because I am in quarterfinals. It's more than what I expected when I came here”.

Up next, things get even more difficult for Rafa. Talented Argentine Juan Martin del Potro (who beat Victor Hanescu 3-6, 6-3, 6-4) will be waiting for the world No.2 in what would be their 6th career meeting.

So far, Rafa’s got the advantage with 4 victories against 1, however, before you get too excited, it is Del Potro who won their last match in Miami.

“I am not the favourite for sure, but [tomorrow’s] match sure is going to give me another rhythm. Anyway, [regardless of] the result is going to be a good experience for me to continue improving my level [of tennis]”.

“Juan Martin [has] a good serve, and good shots from the baseline. So, you know, I know he's a very tough opponent for me”.

Vamos Rafa!