It’s a break!

Not what Botic van de Zandschulp wanted. Rafa Nadal keeps the ball in play and works it back at the Dutchman with his forehand.

Van de Zandschulp can’t match the intensity and knocks the ball into the net to give the game away.

What was I saying about Rafa’s forehand. He runs around the ball and unleashes a blinding hit to the back corner leaving Van de Zandschulp no chance to get to the return.

If there’s an issue with Nadal’s game at the minute it’s his forehand’s to the baseline which are just heading too long. He’s sent a few out of play when he’s been controlling the rally and given Van de Zandschulp a way back into the game.

Break point for Botic van de Zandschulp! 30-40.

It’s a good fight from the Dutchman after losing the last set but Nadal goes wide with his serve and Van de Zandschulp’s backhand can’t stay in play.

Nadal then swiftly moves to advantage and takes the game thanks to an error from Van de Zandschulp that lands in the net.

It’s a break!

Nadal set up two break points and needed both. It was a mini fightback from Van de Zandschulp but he gets a bit to excited and attempts to pass Nadal with a backhand down the line and hits it wide!

Nadal takes the first set.

15-30. Van de Zandschulp has lost a few points at the net now. Nadal drops one over on the left side of court and forces the Dutchman to come up. He then volleys the return over to the right and Van de Zandschulp’s attempted lob goes wide.

Nadal gets the job done behind his own serve and moves within one game of the set. What a time this would be for the Spaniard to break.

There’s a bit of pressure on Botic van de Zandschulp. Can he live up to it?

No quarter given from Botic van de Zandschulp who breezes back on serve with a hold.

The Dutchman then looks to attack Nadal by making his way to the net but can’t execute his drop shot volley and gives away the point.

30-0 on Nadal’s serve.

Nadal wouldn’t have expected Van de Zandschulp to return his previous volley and doesn’t give the Dutchman another chance to maybe get into the game.

Two quick points come to the Spaniard and he holds serve.