Swedish Open 2024: Rafael Nadal vs. Mariano Navone Preview, Prediction, and Live Stream

Mariano Navone and Rafael Nadal will face off for the first time in their careers in the quarterfinals of the Nordea Open.

Swedish Open 2024: Rafael Nadal vs. Mariano Navone Preview, Prediction, and Live Stream

Rafael Nadal and Mariano Navone (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal is back to winning ways, dispatching fifth-seeded Cameron Norrie in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to reach the quarterfinal in Bastad. In his first appearance at the Swedish Open since he won it back in 2005, the great Spaniard is picking up where he left off.

Nadal is playing in this tournament to prepare for the Olympic Games in Paris, which will be held at his favorite Slam court, Roland Garros.

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On the other quarter of the draw, a new talent from Argentina, Mariano Navone, has gotten off to a strong start by downing India No.1 Sumit Nagal 6-4, 6-2. He will now take on his greatest challenge – facing Rafa Nadal on clay. 

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Rafael Nadal vs. Mariano Navone: Match Details

  • Tournament: Swedish Open 2024
  • Match: Rafael Nadal vs. Mariano Navone
  • Round: Quarterfinal
  • Date: July 19, 2024
  • Time: 1:00 pm local time
  • Venue: Center Court, Bastad
  • Surface: Outdoor Clay

Rafael Nadal vs. Mariano Navone: Match Preview

23-year-old Navone is currently ranked 32 in the world and surprisingly will not be the underdog by rankings while facing the King of Clay for the first time in his career. This will be his first time facing any Big Three member. 

He has previously displayed some great skills on the red dirt by defeating Olympic bronze medalist Pablo Carreno Busta at the French Open. In that match, the young Argentine bageled Busta in the last set to triumph 5-7, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 before losing to Tomas Machac in a five-setter in the next round.

Mariano Navone
Mariano Navone (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal is tremendously more experienced as he has more titles on clay (63) than the number of tour-level matches his quarterfinal opponent has played in his career (24). It will be an uphill battle for both players with Nadal struggling through injuries and Navone facing the best clay court player of all time.

Rafael Nadal vs. Mariano Navone: Match Prediction

The difference in experience is large enough to trump a potential difference in fitness levels as the 38-year-old Nadal looks to make it to yet another tour-level semifinal. Navone began his professional career just this year while the Spaniard has been at it for over two decades. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

The Argentine will have to face not just his opponent but also any admiration for him which may hinder his confidence. Although he is higher ranked, the cards seem to be stacked against him as Nadal is returning to form, taking out two good opponents in straight sets. 

Match prediction: Nadal to win in two sets

Rafael Nadal vs. Mariano Navone: Live Stream Details

  • Sweden: TV4
  • USA: Tennis Channel
  • UK and Ireland: Sky Uk
  • Spain: Telefonica, Movistar
  • Argentina: ESPN
  • Italy: Sky Italia
  • France: Eurosport
  • Australia: beIN Sports
  • India and New Zealand: Tennis TV

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