Rafael Nadal concedes rain break played a crucial role in Rome final

Rafael Nadal concedes the rain break helped him during the Italian Open final.
The Spaniard came from a break down in the third set to win his eighth title in Rome on Sunday, beating Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 for his 32nd Masters title.
“Today is a day to enjoy this title. For me, it means a lot to win in Rome here again,” he said.
He added: “To win Rome eight times is amazing, it’s hard to describe. To have the chance to win here again is so great. As for Roland Garros, I’m going to enjoy this victory and think about Paris in a couple days.”
The 16-time Grand Slam winner was staring down the barrel as he was 3-1 down after Zverev broke in the opening game of the decider.
However, there was an 11-minute rain delay and Nadal returned to make it 3-2 before another interruption. When they finally returned, Nadal took charge as he won the four remaining games to wrap up the match.
“When it happened, I didn’t think that it would help me. But of course, we can say that the rain delay helps, helped me,” he said.
“But really, in my opinion, what helped me is that I came back with a clear idea in terms of tactical issues and in terms of decisions that I take after that break.”
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Serena Williams remains coy about her future after Wimbledon exit: ‘Who knows where I’ll pop up’
Will we see Serena Williams at Wimbledon again?
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon TV, streaming info: How to watch Novak Djokovic, Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray matches
Your Wimbledon order of play, TV, streaming info.
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter salutes British team spirit after stunning Wimbledon success
Katie Boulter helped British players to their best Wimbledon first round return in a quarter of a century.
-
Wimbledon
What next for Serena Williams as she loses in the first round of Wimbledon?
Williams is facing fresh questions over her future in tennis after her much-hyped comeback ended with a first round defeat at Wimbledon
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu hopes to make quick work of opponents in bid for home slam glory
The US Open champion takes on Caroline Garcia in round two on Wednesday.
-
Wimbledon
Alastair Gray thrills home crowd with remarkable grand slam debut victory
The world number 288 saw off the 2018 Wimbledon boys’ singles champion Tseng Chun-hsin.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day two: A timeline of British triumphs
Eleven British players were in singles action, with six reaching the second round.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal gets a thorough workout in Wimbledon win
The Spaniard, 36, underwent radio-wave therapy on the nerve in his left foot earlier this month.
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek: ‘I don’t consider myself a legend’
Swiatek surpassed Venus Williams’ record for most successive wins this century.
-
News
Jack Draper blows past Zizou Bergs for first Grand Slam win
The 20-year-old defeated Belgian Zizou Bergs in straight sets to set up a clash with Alex De Minaur.