Rafael Nadal takes on Fabio Fognini in the men's singles quarter-final clash of the Barcelona Open on 22 April (Friday).
Overview
Nadal will look to continue his good form when he takes on Fognini in the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open. The world number five has looked like he is back to his best, beating fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-2 in the second round.
What was even more impressive was that Nadal landed 71% of his serves, while bagging 71 return points as well. He will go into this game as a favourite to progress into the semi-finals.
Fabio Fognini beat Rafael Nadal the last time they met in the Barcelona Open in 2015
World number 31 Fognini has made short work of his opponents so far in the tournament, beating Mikhail Youzhny and Viktor Troicki to reach the quarter-finals.
The Italian will come into this game full of confidence, knowing he is capable of beating Nadal. He shocked the Spaniard in the semi-finals of the Rio de Janeiro Open in 2015, beating him 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 in a victory that stunned the world. However, his record this year has not been that good, winning just three games while losing five and it is unlikely he will beat Nadal in his home turf.
Betting odds (betfair)
Rafael Nadal to win: 1/8
Fabio Fognini to win: 17/4
Head-To-Head
The duo have faced each nine times so far, with Nadal winning six of those encounters. The last time they played each other was in the semi-finals of the Beijing Open in 2015, with the former world number one winning 7-5, 6-3.
Barcelona Open history
Nadal and Fognini have played each other once at the Barcelona Open in the round of 16 encounter in 2015. Fognini won 6-4, 7-6.
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