In what was the match of the tournament so far Rafa battled back from two sets to love down to beat Robert Kendrick 6-7, 3-6, 7-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Kendrick of the USA produced a stunning serve and volley display for much of the first three sets and Rafa was powerless to stop him racing to a two set lead.

However in the third set Rafa showed his true grit; all throughout the set he shouted 'vamos' at every opportunity to fight to stay in the match. His fighting play paid dividends and after forcing Kendrick to a tie break he produced a flawless display to take it 7-2.
There was great respect between both players and neither let up in the final two sets. Twice Rafa was two points from losing the match at 5-4 in the fourth set but the Spaniard showed off his net prowess to relieve the threat and he then broke Kendrick for the first time in the match after some great return play.

After easily serving out the fourth set Rafa carried all the momentum into set five and he broke early to take a 3-0 lead. Kendrick continued to fight and his serve impressed throughout as he hit a total of 28 aces in the match. But the American could not find a way back into the set and at 5-4 Rafa stepped out to serve for the match to a great accolade on Centre Court.

Rafa took the match on his third break point at 40-30 as Kendrick failed to control one of Rafa's powerful ground strokes and the Spaniard jumped into the air in delight at having reached the Wimbledon third round again.

Rafa will now face America legend Andre Agassi, who is playing his last ever Wimbledon. It is sure to be a great match and will be played on 'People's Saturday' at Wimbledon for all to see.
Vamos Rafa!

Written by, Kate Flory

© 2005 PREMIER ALLIANCES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED