PHOTOS/VIDEO: 2017 Barcelona Open R2 Rafael Nadal vs. Rogerio Dutra Silva

2017 Barcelona Open R2 Rafael Nadal bt. Rogerio Dutra Silva  6/1 6/2

Next opponent - Kevin Anderson

Rafa's victory against Rogerio Dutra Silva was his 50th win at the Barcelona Open.

"The debut in any tournament is always complicated, but everything went well. The court is also very slow and in conditions that are not the ones I like the most. But well, a correct match, solid, and wait until tomorrow.” CUT$

After this match, one of the most awaited moments of this edition of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell took place: the official christening of the Central Court of the tournament, now named “Rafa Nadal Court”.

The event was presented by Albert Agustí, President of RCTB-1899, and Albert Costa, Director of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell and Sports Director of RCTB-1899. They both entered the court after Rafa’s debut and presented him with a plaque with his name engraved, emulating the unique street signs of Barcelona. A plaque that will be installed in the court after the tournament so that it presides the next editions of the tournament as well as the every-day-life of the club.

Rafa showed his immense gratitude over this gesture: “I want to thank the club, Beto, Albert Costa and the organizing committee of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell for this honor. This has been my club for many years. It fills me with pride and satisfaction to have the central court of one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world named after me.”

Rafa expressed his joy again in front of the media: “this is one of the most special courts in the world. I want to thank the club, a club that has always meant a lot to me. This is one of the best clubs I Spain, if not the best.”

Source: Barcelona Open

Photos: Fotopress; EFE; AP; Barcelona Open; MD; Notimex

• Last game

• Highlights

• Hot shot

• Post-match intervew

• Interview for Banco Sabadell TV