Latest Sports News Updates : In the first round of the Italian Open in Rome, Rafael Nadal overcame Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs after coming back from a set down. This was part of his preparation for the French Open.
In the Italian capital, the ten-time champion and former world number one prevailed 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Nadal, 37, has stated that he intends to end his career after the 2024 campaign.
As he prepares for what is anticipated to be his final participation at the French Open later this month, the Spaniard said he “found a way to win” on his preferred clay surface despite not being at his best.
“My game is more unpredictable than before, I haven’t played much tennis for two years but I think I can do better than that,” Nadal stated.
Nadal, who returned from a three-month injury layoff at the Barcelona Open in April, advanced to the round of 16 in the Madrid Open this past week before losing to Jiri Lehecka.
Nadal had a difficult beginning in Italy on the surface he has always preferred.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion led 3-1 in the opening set, but Bergs, the world’s 108th-ranked player, quickly reversed the lead. The 24-year-old then served out the set after committing a double fault.
However, Nadal appeared considerably more at ease after play was stopped one game into the second set due to a medical issue in the audience.
Swiftly building up a 3-0 lead, he maintained his poise and leveled the match with a forehand winner and a fist pump to the audience.
In the third set, Nadal broke early again before rallying from a 40-0 disadvantage and converting three break points to take a 4-2 lead.
In the end, a strong forehand winner sealed the victory and guaranteed Nadal’s spot in the second round, where he will take on Hubert Hurkacz, the ninth-ranked player in the world from Poland.
“I have Roland Garros in just two weeks and a half,” remarked Rafael Nadal. “I need to push myself to feel prepared for what’s ahead and prove to myself that I can push my body to its absolute limit.
“I’m not only referring to Roland Garros here. I am referring to the upcoming game. I must get over this dread. Games like this one are beneficial.At times, I was moving more quickly. In certain cases, no. I have to learn to accept that and take that chance. I’m more prepared than ever to give it a shot.”
Jack Draper of Britain advanced to the second round as well, defeating Borna Coric of Croatia 7-5 6-1.
throughout addition to hitting 22 winners throughout the victory, Draper served eight aces and faced no break points, securing a rematch with defending champion Daniil Medvedev in the second round.
Dan Evans, a fellow Brit, lost to Italian Fabio Fognini 6-4 3-6 6-2 to exit the competition.
Evans fought hard to tie the match at one set each, but in the end, it took him two hours and thirty-two minutes to lose the final.