By Daily Sports on April 26, 2018
While Novak Djokovic struggles, Rafael Nadal keeps impressing.
Djokovic lost again on Wednesday, this time falling to 140th-ranked Martin Klizan 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 in the second round of the Barcelona Open.
Nadal, however, won again. He beat Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4, 6-4 for his 10th win in 11 ATP Tour matches this season.
Djokovic is trying to return to form after a lingering right elbow injury. He hasn't made it past the last 16 in five tournaments this year.
The 12th-ranked Serb got off to a slow start against Klizan but rebounded to force a third set. He was then broken while trailing 4-3, allowing the Slovak to serve out for the victory.
“It’s a great feeling, amazing,” said Klizan, who had never beaten Djokovic in four previous matches. “I know that he didn’t play top tennis but a win is a win and I’m happy to be in the third round. I always play good tennis in Barcelona, I'm just enjoying it.”
Djokovic decided to play in Barcelona after losing to Dominic Thiem in the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters. He also lost in the second round in Miami and in Indian Wells, and failed to advance past the last 16 at the Australian Open.
Nadal, coming off his 11th Monte Carlo title, trailed early in his match but closed it out to reach the third round.
The top-ranked Spaniard has won 38 consecutive sets on clay, extending his own record. He has won 32 of his last 33 matches on the surface, including 15 straight.
Nadal will next face Guillermo Garcia Lopez of Spain, who defeated Kei Nishikori after the Japanese player retired because of an injury.
Nadal needs to win his 11th Barcelona title this week to retain his No. 1 ranking.
Earlier, second-seeded Grigor Dimitrov defeated Gilles Simon of France 6-2, 6-1, while third-seeded Thiem beat qualifier Jaume Munar 7-6 (8), 6-1.(AP)
•Photo shows Djokovic
Source Daily Sports
Posted April 26, 2018
You may also like...
Purported Amaju’s removal, most unfortunate –Etoroma
Benzema suffers hamstring injury
Galatasaray feels like home — Osimhen
Aina relishes Chelsea clash
Man Utd Held To Draw At Southampton
Morata Scores Twice As Juventus Beat Lazio

Adams calls for urgent reset in Nigerian football
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
NFF opens talks with Osula over Eagles switch
Brume, Okezie join global stars for Kip Keino Classic
NPFL confirms May 24 season end date
NCF proposes elite cricket league
Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup — Report
Gala intensify Osimhen’s special recovery plan
Core Afrique stages first NBF-sanctioned pro event
Professional, amateur golfers tee off at landmark Edo event
Ndidi resumes training after injury layoff
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,722 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,048 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,971 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,567 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,497 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,397 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,250 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,793 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,985 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,492 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,905 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,370 views)