Why this was one of the WORST things from Rafael Nadal in Italian Open final - pundit
RAFAEL NADAL overcame one of the worst sets of his career on a clay court to win the Italian Open final.
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Nadal took on Madrid Open champion Alexander Zverev in yesterday’s final with the German in electric form, winning 13 matches in a row and two tournaments before this..
The Spaniard claimed the first set 6-1 but Zverev produced a scintillating second set response, with it even looking possible that Nadal would be bageled for the first time in seven years.
But heavy rain delays at Foro Italico halted young German Zverev’s momentum and allowed world No 2 to regain his focus and get back to his best.
Nadal roared back to claim a 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 victory, his eighth Italian Open success and return to No 1 with an aggressive and energetic final set which included a breathtaking overhead shot while not even facing the net.
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He had such a big wobble in the middle, looked concerned, didn’t know really what was going on.
Yet Salmon believes the second set - in which Nadal made error after error and lost nine of 11 games before the second and lengthy delay - was among the worst seen from the all-conquering Spaniard on his favoured surface.
Speaking on ATP World Tour Tennis Podcast, Salmon said: “That was an interesting final for Nadal, he was really tested.
“He had to fight himself as well as fighting the No 3 player in the world in Sascha Zverev and he managed to come out n top of both of those battles. That is how tough he is.
“He had such a big wobble in the middle, looked concerned, didn’t know really what was going on.
“He was fed up, he was frustrated with himself, he just could not find the right level.
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“One of the worst sets from him I think I’ve ever seen on a clay court.
“But to then respond like that, deal with the rain delays - so much was going on in that match - as well as Zverev playing some brilliant stuff as well, Nadal found a way yet again.
“Nadal is in his element when he’s up against it. It’s what he lives for and absolutely loves. He’s ruthless. He knows how to win when he’s not playing well.
“Probably about half the match it wasn’t great at all but he won.”
Nadal will now have a week’s break before looking to win his 11th Roland Garros title at the French Open starting later this month.