Rafael Nadal outguns Alexander Zverev to win the Italian Open
Rafael Nadal completed his French Open preparation in familiar fashion as he beat Alexander Zverev to win the Italian Open for an eighth time.
The 16-time Grand Slam winner came into the Rome event on the back of a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Madrid Masters last week, but he overcame Zverev 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 to win his 32nd ATP Masters 1000 title.
?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
The moment @RafaelNadal won an eighth title in Rome…#ibi18 pic.twitter.com/7Eysx8kk3D
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 20, 2018
The Spaniard looked like he would wrap things up quite quickly after winning the opening set in just over half an hour. Yet it was Zverev who broke in the opening game of the match before Nadal reeled off six consecutive games to take a one-set lead.
The 21-year-old, though, bounced back in the second set as he broke twice to open u[ a 5-0 lead and then served it out after Nadal got on the board in game six.
The German took the momentum into the deciding set as he again broke in the first game and then went 3-1 up before play was interrupted by rain.
When play resumed after an 11-minute break, Nadal made it 3-2 before they went off again. When they returned, the Spaniard won the four remaining games to take the match.
The win will see Nadal return to the top of the world rankings ahead of Roger Federer.
Latest
-
WimbledonKatie Boulter salutes British team spirit after stunning Wimbledon success
Leicester’s Katie Boulter helped British players to…
-
WimbledonWhat 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
-
WimbledonEmma 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.
-
WimbledonAlastair 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.
-
WimbledonWimbledon day two: A timeline of British triumphs
Eleven British players were in singles action, with six reaching the second round.
-
WimbledonRafael 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.
-
WimbledonIga Swiatek: ‘I don’t consider myself a legend’
Swiatek surpassed Venus Williams’ record for most successive wins this century.
-
NewsJack 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.
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios unapologetic after nasty spat with spectator
The world number 40 hit out at the behaviour of some spectators during the Court Three match.
-
NewsRyan Peniston keeps expecting to wake up from Wimbledon dream
The 26-year-old wild card sailed through to the second round.