Nadal Tested By Kohlschreiber In Season Debut

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal was forced to play three sets in his 2012 ATP World Tour season debut Tuesday, but came away with a 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-3 victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. "I'm very happy about my level," stated Nadal. "I think I played a very good first set. The only moment that I didn't play well was the beginning of the second and after the tie-break. For the rest [of the match], I think I played solid."

After winning the first set, Nadal fell behind 1-4 before winning three straight games to even the second set. The two battled their way into a tie-break, and it was Kohlschreiber who grabbed an early mini-break, closing the 'breaker out with ease to send the match to a deciding third set.


Photos:


On Court Interview after defeating Kohlschreiber

via NadalCuriosities2

Nadal beat Kohlschreiber Qatar Open 2012

via TVTennis24

Quotes via ATP