Rafael Nadal: Spanish ace reveals key to Italian Open win over Denis Shapovalov
RAFAEL NADAL says his serve was crucial to defeating Denis Shapovalov in the third round of the Italian Open.
Shapovalov has enjoyed an impressive year with his eye-catching shot making and flair.
But the 19-year-old, who will become Canadian No 1 on Monday, was no match for Nadal who swept to a 6-4 6-1 win.
Nadal lost just five points on his serve and believes that particular statistic led to his dominance.
“It was a solid match for me,” said Nadal. “I started with some mistakes on the return. But with my serve, I didn't lose many points. At the beginning, I really think that he was serving big.
Reuters
I started with some mistakes on the return. But with my serve, I didn't lose many points. At the beginning, I really think that he was serving big
“I got the break in the 3-all. And then the match changed… He probably stopped to serve that big a little bit, and I was a little bit more relaxed."
Nadal, who is aiming for an eighth Italian Open victory, will face Italian Fabio Fognini in the quarter-finals today.
And the world No 2 is expecting a tough match.
EPA
“It'll be a match against a great player, with a lot of talent," Nadal added.
"I know I have to play well, to keep having chances and keep going in the tournament.
“I hope to be ready to make that happen, to play at the right level and to be competitive.”