Nadal surges past Bellucci into quarter-finals

[~IronMan~]

Mon, May 31 09:52 PM

Enlarge Photo Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his match against Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil at the... Rafael Nadal snuffed out the threat of Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci on Monday, winning 6-2 7-5 6-4 to safely avoid any repeat of last year's shock fourth-round exit at the French Open.

Nadal, whose four-year domination at Roland Garros was ended exactly a year ago by Sweden's Robin Soderling, was pushed hard by the 22-year-old after dominating the first set but the outcome was never seriously in doubt.

The Spanish world number two had his serve broken four times during the two hour 33 minute contest on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier but always found a stinging response to deflate the 24th seed.

Nadal, bidding for a fifth title, will face Spanish opposition in the quarter-final, either in the shape of seventh seed Fernando Verdasco or 19th seed Nicolas Almagro.

(Editing by Miles Evans. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)





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