“I found a way to win, that’s important,” Rafael Nadal gets past Zizou Bergs in a grueling first Round encounter in Rome

A welcome win for Rafael Nadal, who has been struggling with injuries for over a year now.

“I found a way to win, that’s important,” Rafael Nadal gets past Zizou Bergs in a grueling first Round encounter in Rome

Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal got the better of his first-round opponent Zizou Bergs in an exciting three-setter. The Spaniard had returned to Italy to play his third tournament on the bounce and started on a high. 

The crowd was dead silent when Nadal lost the first set of the match. However, it was not long before, the Spaniard turned the tides and bounced right back in the game. This forced the match to a thrilling third set, where both players hung on for a spot in the next round. 

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However, Nadal somehow managed to pull off a victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. The 37-year-old, who was unhappy with his performance today revealed in the post-match interview that he had practiced way better than how he performed today. However, he was happy with the win, which is important at the start of the tournament. 

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That wasn’t my best match. I was practicing better than how I played today, without a doubt. But I found a way to win. That’s so important at the start of a tournament. My game is more unpredictable than before.
said Rafael Nadal during the post-match interview

Nonetheless, it was a good win for the Spaniard, who moved one step further in the Italian Open. He will now play No.7th seed Hubert Hurkacz tomorrow. A huge match for the Spaniard who will play one of the biggest servers in the game. 

Emotional Rafael Nadal thanked the Italian crowd after first round drama

Rafael Nadal exhibited great resilience during his first-round match against Belgian Zizou Bergs. The stage was set for an upset early on in the tournament, but Nadal managed to keep his cool and fend off the Belgian. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Nadal had only lost once out of his previous 18 outings in the first round. Now the 10-time champion survived to play another day. After the match, he thanked the crowd for the support and hoped to play on a higher level tomorrow. 

It is always emotional to play here. One of the most important events in my tennis career. The crowd has always been amazing with me, supporting me since the beginning of my tennis career, so super excited to play one more time here.
said Rafael Nadal in the post-match interview

The Spaniard now returns tomorrow to play a challenging opponent. He has to bring out his best form against Hubert Hurkacz to stand a chance and get in line for his 11th title. 

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