STOKE POGES, June 24, 2015 (The Boodles press release)
It was a successful day for Spain on day two at The Boodles as Tommy Robredo, Fernando Verdasco and Nicolas Almagro all picked up wins on the grass at Stoke Park. Philipp Kohlschreiber also scored a second win of the week in front of the sun-soaked centre court crowd.
The Spaniards all seem to have adapted well to the grass and are relishing the opportunity to get in some match practice on Stoke Park’s stunning grass court.
Tommy Robredo defeated the Netherland’s Robin Haase and following the match said:
“Every day is going to be better, so hopefully I can practice a lot, skip the rain and like this get a lot of hours for me to practice. Obviously playing in Halle last week was a good preparation and coming here and playing matches is going to be perfect.”
Fernando Verdasco and Fabio Fognini delighted the female members of the crowd and even found time before the match to sing happy birthday to a spectator celebrating her 90th birthday. Verdasco secured a straight sets victory and after the match said he is feeling good ahead of Wimbledon:
“I’m always motivated for Wimbledon, it’s always tough to get ready in two and a half weeks for a Grand Slam but you always try your best and I’m feeling good this year, so hopefully it’s going to be a good tournament.”
Verdasco gave his thoughts on Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal’s chances at SW19:
“Well, Andy won two years ago and for sure he’s going to be one of the favourites. He’s in great form, he’s playing very well, he won Queens so of course he’s going to be one of the favourites.”
“Rafa is a winner, he will always be there. Of course grass isn’t his favourite surface, not the surface he feels most comfortable on but if he gets through the first few rounds he’s going to be tough to beat because in the end he’s a champion.”
Fernando Verdasco beat Fabio Fognini at Stoke Park (photo: Jordan Mansfield)
Nicolas Almagro rounded off a successful day for Spain with victory over Lukas Rosol 57 64 10-4 and was happy with the progress he is making and looking forward to Wimbledon:
“If I play like today I can win many matches but we’ll see. Everything here on grass is really difficult but I’m happy, I’m trying to get back from the injury and today I played really good and I’m happy to be here in London.”
Philipp Kohlschreiber continued his good form this week with a win over a player ten years his junior in Lucas Pouille, but following the match was complimentary about his younger opponent:
“He’s ten years younger than me. It’s pretty good to see the difference of players. He’s very very good, I saw a couple of really good matches already this year and I’m very impressed. He’s a great mover through the court, he’s playing serve and volley which you don’t see so often so I wish him the best of luck, maybe not against me, but against every other player!”
Thursday 25th June will see the 10th consecutive visit to The Boodles by world No.1 Novak Djokovic who will take on Richard Gasquet in the second match of the day at 2.30pm.
Wednesday’s results:
Tommy Robredo (ESP) d. Robin Haase (NED) 76(4) 62
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 75 63
Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) d. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 76(4) 62
Nicolas Almagro (ESP) v Lukas Rosol (CZE) 57 74 10-4
