Rafael Nadal jinked and jumped around Centre Court, his fist shaking in relief. He had been rocked by the sheer ferocity of a Czech beast called Lukas Rosol but now he was being applauded by a crowd on its feet, a champion restored. For a few nervous, late-lunchtime moments it looked as if history might just repeat itself. It was Rosol, tall and strong, who had caused an earthquake around this part of south-west London two years ago when his powerful serve and bold shots sent Nadal out in the second round. Wimbledon had rarely witnessed a bigger shock, a 33-minute final-set dismantling under the roof by the then world No 100 of the great Rafa.
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World No 1 and second seed beats Rosol 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 6-4
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Rosol had chance to go two sets up but could not take it
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Nadal won 14 straight points at end of third set and start of fourth
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Rosol famously beat Nadal in five sets at Wimbledon two years ago
Lukas Rosol
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The Centre Court auditorium can make men shrivel or make them grow like giants, and we wondered for a set and a half on Thursday whether the air — the roof was down this time — might inspire @placeholder again.