Rafael Nadal hails ‘perfect start’ to his restarted season after cruising to win in Rome Masters

Rafael Nadal says he made a perfect’ start to the resumption of his season with his comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 win over Pablo Carreno Busta in Rome.
Nadal played competitive tennis for the first time since February this week, and was given a tricky opening match against the US Open semi-finalist.
However, he didn’t show any signs at all of rust and looked every bit his usual dominant self on clay.
“It’s good to be back on the Tour,” Nadal told the ATP after his match.
“I miss the crowds. I played a good match, maybe he was a little bit tired after all his matches in New York.
“It was a perfect start for me. It was solid, [and I hit] good shots on the forehand and backhand. I didn’t expect to play that well.”
Nadal decided to skip the US Open over safety concerns, and remained in Europe to prepare for his favoured clay season instead.
It is a delayed and reduced season this year, though, with Rome the only big tournament before the French Open starts on September 27.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
John McEnroe on Wimbledon and ATP-WTA’s tit-for-tat spat: ‘It’s just a damn shame that it’s come to this’
John McEnroe unimpressed by both decisions.
-
Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz will be ‘dangerous’ at Wimbledon once he gets matches under his belt, says pundit
Alex Corretja explains why Carlos Alcaraz could be a dangerous opponent at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
John McEnroe on Serena Williams’ Wimbledon chances: ‘She could lose in first round or win the tournament’
John McEnroe feels it is difficult to predict how Serena Williams will perform at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal ‘feeling good’ ahead of Wimbledon, but coach admits he is third favourite for the title
Rafael Nadal “aims to win” Wimbledon, but he is only third favourite.
-
ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios ‘disagrees’ with Patrick Mouratoglou about ATP’s decision to ‘legalise’ off-court coaching
Nick Kyrgios not a fan of off-court coaching.
-
ATP Tour
Jack Draper admits one aspect of his personality compares to Andy Murray
The 20-year-old Draper is the final British player in the tournament with Cameron Norrie, Ryan Peniston and Harriet Dart all knocked out on Thursday.
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Tim Henman’s verdict on Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon hopes
Henman suggests the teenager who went on to win the US Open in remarkable fashion should not be burdened with pressure at Wimbledon.
-
News
Jack Draper topples Ryan Peniston in battle of Brits to gain Eastbourne semi-finals
Draper is the final British player in the tournament with Cameron Norrie, Ryan Peniston and Harriet Dart all knocked out on Thursday.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas needed ‘fighting spirit’ to reach Mallorca last four
Stefanos Tsitsipas is the highest-ranked player in the Mallorca last four.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu latest: Young star on track to be fit for Wimbledon
The US Open champion suffered a side strain during her first-round match in Nottingham.