what a match! definitely not expected for a first round. nadal made a lot of errors during the first half of the match, but picked it up and played some of his best tennis in the 4th set. the problem with isner is his height- when isner serves, nadal has to stand very far behind the serve line, and instead of succumbing to nadal’s well-placed shots, isner can just lean over with his lanky body, no sliding necessary.
but nadal did it!!!! (also, he was the best dressed of the two.)
(photos to come!)
