SPORTS

Nadal laughs off fan's rude gesture

By Rediff Sports
February 11, 2021 19:43 IST

IMAGE: A women gestures towards the players as play is interrupted during the second round match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Michael Mmoh of the United States. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal laughed off the distraction of a spectator trying to put him off by reaching the third round of the Australian Open with a straight sets win over Michael Mmoh.

 

IMAGE: A women gestures. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Nadal dispelled any remaining doubts over his fitness with a commanding 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win against American qualifier Mmoh and stayed on track for a record 21st Grand Slam title.

Nadal showed no sign of discomfort, however, against the 177th-ranked American under the closed roof of the Rod Laver Arena and peppered the blue court with winners from both forehand and backhand sides as Mmoh watched on helplessly.

IMAGE: A spectator is asked to leave by security. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

But he did have to deal with disruption when he was serving for the second set, as a lady spectator made an obscene gesture. She was eventually removed as she was vocal in her criticism of Nadal's on-court habits.

The crowd was booing and security came to boot the woman out, but Nadal was able to see the funny side and kept on laughing.

IMAGE: Rafael Nadal of Spain laughs at a spectator. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Asked about whether Nadal knew the spectator, he answered, laughing: "No, and honestly I don't want to know!"

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