Rafal Nadal Battles Through Doha Opener
There were contrasting fortunes for Spaniards Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer in the first round of the Qatar Open on Tuesday.
OMNISPORT
Rafael Nadal made an unconvincing start to his 2016 season as he fought back to beat Pablo Carreno-Busta at the Qatar Open, but defending champion David Ferrer was a shock first-round casualty.
For the first time since 2004 Nadal failed to win a grand slam title last season, but the Spaniard finished 2015 well leading to hopes of improvement this time around.
The world number five made a slow start in Doha, though, before his quality eventually shone through in a 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-1 victory.
Carreno-Busta went toe-to-toe with Nadal to clinch the opener, but he had little reply when the 14-time slam champion upped the tempo in the second set.
Nadal broke at the first time of asking in the decider and, although he handed that straight back, he reeled off five straight games to reach round two.