Clock clamor leaves Rafa ruffled
Rafael Nadal, on the 25-second slow-play rule returns a forehand to compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut during their French Open fourth-round match at Roland Garros, Paris, on Sunday. Nadal eased into the quarterfinals 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
The umpires are here to analyze the match and they are not here to use the stopwatch, otherwise we should have a stopwatch on the court.”
his shorts and smoothing of his eyebrows — Nadal said he will not change.
“I told him he will have to give me many warnings, because if I have not yet grabbed my towel, that he’s going to give me a warning,” added the 31-year-old.
Vanquished opponent Bautista Agut backed Nadal in his spat with Ramos.
“Rafa and I need to play a lot of points. We need to run around a lot. Having the pressure of the umpires is something we don’t really need,” said the 29-year-old.
“I don’t think I really agree with that rule.”
The clamor with meant Nadal’s progress to the became a sideshow. Ramos smooth quarters
He has dropped just 20 games in four rounds so far, just one more than he lost at the same stage in 2012, as he attempts to become the first player to win the same Grand Slam 10 times.
Nadal will face compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, who outlasted fifth seed Milos Raonic of Canada 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 8-6 in a thrilling match on Court One.
Carreno Busta, the 20th seed, will be playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the age of 25.
He did it the hard way, needing just over four hours and seven match points to seal victory over the big-serving Canadian.