Rafael Nadal bounces back against Alexander Zverev to reach semi-final in Rome

News
Rafael Nadal tumbles

Rafael Nadal gained revenge over Alexander Zverev to stay on track for a 10th title at the Italian Open in Rome.

The Spaniard needed nearly three-and-a-half hours to defeat Denis Shapovalov in the third round on Thursday, saving two match points, and backed it up brilliantly with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Zverev.

The German had won his last three meetings with Nadal, including in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open last week, but saw his opportunities consistently snuffed out.

In a reversal of his fortunes against Shapovalov, Nadal surged into a 4-0 lead before Zverev gained a foothold in the contest and made things tight.

There was a worrying moment for Nadal when he caught his foot on the service line sliding to the ball and fell heavily, but he recovered quickly to serve out the set.

The second set was one of the best of the tournament, with the pair engaging in lung-busting rallies, but a single break of serve ultimately proved the difference as Nadal saved all eight break points he faced.

“Today I played much better than yesterday,” said the second seed. “I did a lot of things well, playing much more solid. I think I played one of the more solid matches on clay this year against a very tough opponent. It’s a great victory for me.

“Under pressure, under tough moments that sometimes I lost important points the last couple of weeks, today, yesterday, before yesterday too, I was able to manage it well. To hold well the pressure, to put one more ball in.

Alexander Zverev disappointed

Alexander Zverev was unable to take his opportunities (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

“I think my movements have been improving. Today was a good day in that. I’m super happy because, after the battle of yesterday, to be able to be on court against a player like Sascha – he had a tough match, too, but he’s more than 10 years younger than me.

“I remember well the feeling on the body when you are younger comparing to today and the feeling is completely different. And I was able to be fit, to be ready, and that’s something that gives me confidence.”

Nadal next faces a surprise opponent in seven-foot American Reilly Opelka, who is through to his first Masters semi-final after a 7-5 7-6 (2) victory over Federico Delbonis.

Opelka said: “I’m really pleased. We have been working hard. I made some adjustments on my game. It’s nice to see them come into play.

“Rafa’s brutal. But it will be a good test. I’ve never played Rafa.”

Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.

Alexander Zverev Rafael Nadal

Latest