Back-from-injury Johansson Shocks Nadal at Stockholm
Posted on October 12, 2006Former Swedish Top 20er Joachim Johansson made a splash in his return from injury, ousting top-seeded Rafael Nadal 6-4, 7-6(4) in second-round play Wednesday at the Stockholm Open.
Johansson, ranked 690th, was playing his first ATP event since February after being sidelined due to right shoulder and elbow injuries.
"It's my greatest win ever," Johansson told the press. "I had to play aggressive. You can't get involved in long rallies with him -- he's so good and patient."
Earlier in the day, defending champion James Blake downed Thomas Johansson of Sweden 6-3, 6-2 in the first round. Other first-round winners were No. 5 Jarkko Nieminen of Finland and Simon Greul.
No. 6 seed Olivier Rochus advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2. Rochus's countryman and No. 7 seed Kristof Vliegan needed three sets to defeat the promising Frank Dancevic of Canada 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Eighth-seeded Swede Robin Soderling also reached the quarterfinals after crushing countryman Jonas Bjorkman 6-0, 6-2.
Johansson, ranked 690th, was playing his first ATP event since February after being sidelined due to right shoulder and elbow injuries.
"It's my greatest win ever," Johansson told the press. "I had to play aggressive. You can't get involved in long rallies with him -- he's so good and patient."
Earlier in the day, defending champion James Blake downed Thomas Johansson of Sweden 6-3, 6-2 in the first round. Other first-round winners were No. 5 Jarkko Nieminen of Finland and Simon Greul.
No. 6 seed Olivier Rochus advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2. Rochus's countryman and No. 7 seed Kristof Vliegan needed three sets to defeat the promising Frank Dancevic of Canada 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Eighth-seeded Swede Robin Soderling also reached the quarterfinals after crushing countryman Jonas Bjorkman 6-0, 6-2.