The Internazionali BNL d’Italia draw handed Rafael Nadal an opening match that had the potential to be tricky, but it ended up being a breeze.
Beginning his bid for a 10th title in the Italian capital, Nadal blew past John Isner 6-3, 6-1 on Wednesday afternoon. The 35-year-old Spaniard needed only one hour and 16 minutes to start strong at what is just his second tournament since Indian Wells.
Isner had a brief chance to gain an upper hand early in the contest. Both players held serve en route to 3-3, at which stage the 6’10” American earned two break points. When those opportunities went by the wayside, however, it was all over for Isner. He dropped serve in the very next game and never recovered.
“He had some chances on the return and had two break points,” Nadal reflected. “[He had] two not difficult balls, so I was in his hands at that moment. I was lucky that he missed those shots and then I was able to break. Then the match changed, of course. With the first set on the board, and having the break in the first game of the second, everything changed.”
The world No. 4 ended up breaking Isner four times, including three in the second set alone. Nadal won an amazing half of the points even when Isner put his first serve in play.
“I just focused on myself,” Nadal explained. “I focused on trying to keep going. I knew I had to do things better than I had done (in the first set), and I need to practice to try and do it better and better.”
Next up for the 21-time Grand Slam champion is Denis Shapovalov. They also faced each other in the Rome third round last year, when Nadal survived a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) thriller.
nice one, Rafa
Watching the match I hear the commies saying what a nervy start Rafa had to the match with Isner. And I’m thinking, for someone who has the most GSs in tennis history and have made so much history, at 36, what do u have to be nervous about?! 🤣 It just shows his passion for the game!! 😄
Look now the commies r saying Alcaraz is favorite to win RG!! Glad to c them out pressure on Alcaraz!!
Gosh I swear Rafa gets the worse draws!! Shapavolov? I can’t stand the guy!! See him off Rafa!! Vamos!!
Rafa should play more like his match Vs Kecmanovic, going forward, at the FO. He should come out all guns blazing, takes things into his own hands and finishes off opponents asap.
He may be short of match plays now (only five matches played on clay), unusual for him in any season except 2020 (played three matches before the FO). However, judging from his first match at Madrid after coming back from injury, he won’t be that rusty come the FO.
Dr Cortorro has to ensure that Rafa is fit to play in each match. Rafa fans will have to stay positive that perhaps not stressing himself too much at Rome may turn out to be good for Rafa at the FO.