27th of March

The number one tennis player in the world will make his debut at the second Masters Series event of the season in Miami this afternoon in company of his friend Marc Lopez (Wildcards) in the first round of doubles.

The doubles couple from Mallorca are due to play at 6:30pm (local time) at the Grandstand Court against another Spanish pair made up by Montañés and Tommy Robredo.

In singles, Rafa will play tomorrow (Saturday 28th of March), in the second round of the event against Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili, who he has never played against before.

Rafa confirmed yesterday at a press conference that he feels motivated and extremely excited to be playing in a tournament that he’s been very close from winning in the past: The first time in 2005 (he lost against Roger Federer in the final, and then in 2008, when he played the final and lost against Nicolay Davydenko.

“I want to continue to play the way I have been in the last few weeks”, was the only goal Rafa has set for himself at this tournament. He feels it is very important to play well because “Miami has always been a very special tournament and very beautiful as well for those of us who speak Spanish. To have the Latin crowd with you is very positive when it comes to stepping out on the court”, said the Australian Open champ.

Vamos Rafa!