ROME: Rafael Nadal said that he can no longer afford to fear injury after battling into the second round of the Rome Open on Thursday, with Roland Garros looming on the horizon.
Clay court icon Nadal bounced back from a set down to beat qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Italian capital with a gritty performance which will need to be improved upon when the Spaniard faces his next opponent, world number nine Hubert Hurkacz.Should he progress further Nadal also has last year’s winner, world number four Daniil Medvedev, and the beaten finalist Holger Rune on his side of the draw.
“I have Roland Garros in just two weeks and a half... I need to prove myself if I am able to push my body to the limit, I need to push to feel myself ready for what’s coming,” Nadal told reporters.“I am not talking only about Roland Garros. I am talking about the next match. I need to lose this fear. Matches like today help.
The hard-hitting Belgian pushed his big-name rival all the way, briefly looking like he might win the biggest match of his career to date before Nadal fought back to take victory. Osaka breezed past Kostyuk to claim her first ever win over a top 20-ranked opponent on clay, a day after she made her Foro Italico comeback after a three-year absence.
Swiatek of Poland was imperious on court and needed just over one hour, 15 minutes to dispatch her opponent as she showed why she is the woman to beat on the WTA tour.
News Newspaper Headlines Malaysia Borneo Local National Business Sport Mobile
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nadal wants to lose fear factor after winning Rome openerROME, May 10 — Rafael Nadal said that he can no longer afford to fear injury after battling into the second round of the Rome Open yesterday, with Roland Garros looming on the...
Read more »
Swiatek finds Nadal inspiration to win ‘crazy’ Madrid Open titleMADRID, May 5 — Top-ranked Iga Swiatek came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid...
Read more »
‘Emotional’ Nadal knocked out of Madrid Open by LeheckaMADRID, May 1 — Rafael Nadal bade an emotional farewell to the Madrid Open yesterday after crashing out in the last 16 to Jiri Lehecka in the Spanish star’s last ever...
Read more »
Nadal progresses in Madrid to set up De Minaur rematch in Madrid openMADRID: Spain’s Rafael Nadal had an easy opening match in what will be his last appearance at the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament, defeating Ameri...
Read more »
French Open has ‘fingers crossed’ for Nadal appearance, say organisersPARIS, April 25 — French Open organisers have their “fingers crossed” that Rafael Nadal will be able to play this year’s event, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said on...
Read more »
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second roundBARCELONA, April 18 — Rafael Nadal suffered his first defeat on his return to tennis after injury as he fell 7-5, 6-1 against Alex de Minaur yesterday in the Barcelona Open...
Read more »