Rafael Nadal did not have an easy start to the ATP 250 tournament in Doha this week, as his compatriot Pablo Carreño-Busta pushed him to three sets after storming the first set tiebreak. Nadal’s level was shakier than that of his in Abu Dhabi’s exhibition tournament, where he took the title in the six man championship and seemed to have put all his 2015 woes behind him. So, it was not a surprise that many foresaw unpredictable world number 59 Robin Haase troubling him. Haase’s unique and powerful game style plus the fact he pushed Nadal to five sets in their second round meeting at Wimbledon in 2010, the only other encounter they have shared, meant the prospect of this match was tough. However, Nadal did not seem troubled and easily dismissed Haase in straight sets, 6-3 6-2.

Set One: Nadal In Control

Nadal began the match serving strongly, using this to gain free points with missed returns from Haase. The practice Nadal had done on his return during the off-season was evident as soon as Haase served; he soon forged a break point which he took with a stunning return that the Dutchman could barely get his racket on. Nadal looked to be in fine form as he sailed to a 3-0 lead, having not dropped a point on serve so far. Haase then held to 30 relatively easily for 3-1.

A few errors crept into Nadal’s game and Haase had a slight opportunity at 15-30 on Nadal’s serve, but some attacking tennis gave Nadal game point. Two double faults in a row and a missed forehand however gave Haase his first break point of the match, but Nadal refused the underdog the opportunity to get the match back on equal terms, and held for 4-1 with a forehand slammed into the net from Haase.

Both men held once more for 5-2. Nadal looked to be running away with the set as he had 0-15 on Haase’s serve but the Dutchman held his nerve and put the pressure on Nadal to serve out the set. Nadal had been known in 2015 to get tight when trying to close out sets but he showed no sign of this pressure as he took it 6-3 in 31 minutes.

Set Two: Nadal Stays On Top

Haase began set two serving and was immediately put under pressure at 30 all – he withstood it however as Nadal missed a forehand and Haase led 1-0. Some speedy shot-making from Haase brought up a break point opportunity but Nadal held on and after the longest rally of the match, 22 shots, he saved it. Nadal held his own serve before using his vicious forehand to wear down his opponent and break for 2-1. Nadal then held again for 3-1.

The Spaniard brought up two break points again but Haase clung on and refused to go down a double break, 3-2, to Nadal. The tennis played did not dip in intensity or talent as both players produced some stunning shots, and only improved as Haase raised his game and played some impressive points.

Nadal held with more strong hitting, and with an exquisite backhand cross court passing shot, he brought up another two break points. One was saved by the underdog with an ace, but he gave up the break with a narrowly missed backhand, 5-2. Nadal’s determination did not waver as sealed the match, holding to 15 with a stunning forehand pass to finish the match off, only needing an hour and five minutes to do so.

Quarterfinals

Nadal’s next opponent is Russian Andrey Kuznetsov. The pair have only met once previously; at the French Open in 2015 in which Nadal easily defeated Kuznetsov in straight sets. Kuznetsov has made his way to the quarterfinals by defeating Marsel Ilhan and Ricardas Berankis so he is undoubtedly in good shape and will surely give it his all. However, due to the form Nadal showed today, it is hard to think Kuztnetsov will come out of the match with a win.