We remember three epic victories of Rafael Nadal against Argentine rivals

We continue remembering the career of the historic Rafael Nadal as we approach the Davis Cup Finals, where the Spaniard will conclude his career as a professional. We have brought you three epic battles of Rafa against Argentine opponents. Off the court, the 14-time Roland Garros champion maintains a nice friendship with some of the legion's players, but when he stepped on the court, Nadal had only one thing on his mind: to go out and win.

Rafael Nadal's career is so full of marathon matches and incredible victories that in order to remember it without missing details it is necessary some criteria when ordering them to be able to analyze them. On this occasion, we will review three hard-fought victories of the Spaniard against players of the Argentinean legion. Two of them (against Guillermo Coria and Mariano Puerta) happened almost 20 years ago, while the remaining one was in 2018, against Juan Martín del Potro.

Read also

ANALYSIS - Rafael Nadal: The legendary journey of the King of Clay

Rafael Nadal - Guillermo Coria (Final | Rome Masters 2005)

Guillermo Coria was in 2005 one of the best clay court players, being the runner-up of the 2004 edition of Roland Garros. Rafa, on the other hand, was only 18 years old and already ranked 7th in the world;

This match is remembered as one of the longest and most exciting in the history of tennis, lasting 5 hours and 14 minutes. The final score was 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(8) in favor of Nadal. A dramatic encounter, with both players reaching the limit. Rafa prevailed in a physical and mental battle that earned him his first title in the Italian capital and a clear message that he was coming to challenge the best for dominance on clay.

Rafael Nadal - Mariano Puerta (Final | Roland Garros 2005)

It was difficult to include another match from the same year in the list and leave out other legendary duels, but this phenomenal battle between two left-handed players in the final of the French Open should not be underestimated. Nadal had defeated Federer in the semis, while Mariano Puerta had just beaten Nikolay Davydenko;

The match started very evenly between both players, exchanging spectacular points from the first games. Puerta did his best and was able to take the first set in the tie break. Nadal recovered in the second set and was able to close it 6-3. The Argentine had a hard time in the third set against a Rafa who was a giant on the court, so much so that it was 6-1 for the Manacor;

Already in the fourth set and against the ropes, Mariano Puerta brought out his best tennis and had three chances to send everything to the fifth and decisive set in the tenth game. But in front of him was a Nadal who always forced to play one more ball, mentally demolishing the Argentinean and ending the comeback with a 7-5. Thus began the Spaniard's love affair with Paris that would take him to an absurd 14 French Opens.

Read also

Nadal, Clay Court King, to retire after Davis Cup: Fritz reacts

Rafael Nadal - Juan Martín del Potro (Quarterfinals | Wimbledon 2018)

The 2018 Wimbledon quarterfinals between Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro is another match that will remain etched in the collective memory of fans, especially Argentines and Spaniards. In a match that lasted almost 5 hours, Nadal prevailed with a score of 7-5, 6-7(7), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Both players have played tremendous duels against each other, but that afternoon in All England deserves a special place. After falling in a disputed first set, "Delpo" managed to recover after a very tight 9-7 in the tiebreak of the second set;

The Tandilense put Rafa on the brink of elimination by winning the third set, but again Nadal's competitive spirit was the determining factor that tipped the balance in favor of the winner of 22 Grand Slams. One of the new tennis classics, a match to watch over and over again and appreciate the level of play that both players maintained for 4 hours and 46 minutes;

In the end, Rafa crossed the court to congratulate his rival, who remained exhausted on the grass. One more sign of his class and respect for every opponent he has faced.