Top
Rafael Nadal Monte Carlo 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Tennis News

Nadal avenges Madrid loss with ‘important win against a great player’


Rafael Nadal took revenge over Alexander Zverev by defeating the German in Rome in straight sets. 

Rafael Nadal battled through in just under two hours to defeat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4 and reach his 12th semi-final at the Italian Open.

“[I’m] happy. I think I played a very solid match, with not many mistakes, playing the way that I have to.

“Important victory for me against a great player so happy, semi-finals here in Rome one more time. Confidence for myself and another victory so, against a great player.”

Zverev had beaten Nadal three times consecutively before the quarter-final in Rome. The German had 10 break point opportunities throughout the match but Nadal saved 9 of them to surrender just one break in the match.

While Nadal’s first serve points won was not stellar at 58%, he was solid behind his second serve, winning 15 of 19 behind it (79%).

Nadal will compete in his 75th Masters 1000 semi-final against American Reilly Opelka, a man who is into his first ever Masters 1000 semi-final after defeating fellow first-time quarter-finalist Federico Delbonis.

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


By
0