Rafael Nadal beats Mariano Navone in a three hour and 59-minute thriller to enter first semifinal since 2022

Duje Ajdukovic stands between Nadal and a place in the final.

Rafael Nadal beats Mariano Navone in a three hour and 59-minute thriller to enter first semifinal since 2022

Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal is once again back on track creating records. He is currently competing at the Swedish Open, where his quarterfinal win against Mariano Navone now stands as the longest best-of-three matches of all time. 

After securing a win against Cameron Norrie, the Spaniard took on fourth-seed Navone for a place in the semifinals. He started on a bad note, losing a few early games to the Argentine. However, he managed to bounce back and push the first set to a tie-break but failed to take the lead in the contest.

YouTube video

Nadal, who is well known for his resilience, fought back in the second set and took the match to a decider. While he managed to take a good lead in the third set, he lost a couple of games back-to-back and the match was once again wide open. 

FS Video

The former World No. 1 fought hard till the end to beat Navone 6(2)-7, 7-5, 7-5 win in three hours and 59 minutes. The match now holds the record for his second longest-ever three-set match in the history of tennis. 

Before this, Nadal had played a four-hour match against Novak Djokovic back in 2009. After his injury, this was his longest match just yet, and it was a test of his resilience. In the end, it was Nadal who emerged victorious and entered his first ATP semi-final since 2022.

RELATED
Carlos Alcaraz, the man with the Midas touch signals a changing of the guard
Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal makes it to his first semifinal since injury return

Rafael Nadal made it to his first-ever semifinal since making his comeback. He returned to action earlier this year after being sidelined for more of 2023. While he failed to make an impact on the ATP tour, he has now reached his first semifinal since 2022. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Nadal is scheduled to face Duje Ajdukovic stands between Nadal and a place in the final next. The Croatian defeated Thiago Monteiro 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in his quarterfinal. A timely comeback for the Spaniard, who found form just before the Paris Olympics.

The Spaniard will play his last Olympics this year and hopes to get a medal for his country. Also, Nadal will play alongside his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in one of the most awaited duos of all time.

In Case You Missed It: