MALLORCA, December 16, 2016

The Olympic Champions Rafael Nadal and Marc López headlined Thursday’s action at the RFET Mapfre Spanish National Tennis Championships, as they made their debut in the doubles event on an almost fully packed Centre Court at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor. In their quarterfinals encounter, the pair cruised past Valencians Carlos Taberner and Bernabé Zapata 6-2 6-0. Nadal and Lópze will next face Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo and David Vega.

The quarterfinals of the singles competition are also set. In the men’s draw top seed and 2007 runner-up Albert Ramos will open his title bid against Carlos Taberner, who defeated Mario Vilella 6-4, 6-4. Veteran Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo will take on Pedro Martínez Portero. The teenager fought past Bernabé Zapata, rallying 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Local favourite Jaume Munar also made it to the stage of the final eight with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 win over J. Samuel Arauzo. The Mallorca native will next play Roberto Carballés-Baena. Second seed Pablo Carreno-Busta will debut against Madrid’s Pablo Vivero, who benefited from the retirement of Burgos resident David Pérez Sanz.

In the women’s competition, 2014 and first-time champion, Lara Arruabarrena, will open her campaign against Olga Sáez from Madrid, who holds eight consecutive match wins after claiming the title of last week’s ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Nules. On Thursday Sáez beat María Gutiérrez Carrasco 6-0 6-4.

Last year and 2012 champion Tita Torró had no problem overcoming Granada’s Nuria Párrizas 6-2 7-5 and will be the quarterfinal rival of another former Spanish champion Laura Pous (2004, 2010 and 2013).
Second favourite Sara Sorribes will face Estrella Cabeza, runner-up in 2006. The Seville resident won Thursday’s match over Alba Carrillo of Murcia 6-4 6-1.