Rafael Nadal reveals 'important' moment which aided Italian Open win
RAFAEL NADAL has revealed the rain break was crucial to his Italian Open victory over Alexander Zverev.
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The Spaniard cruised into a one-set lead before his tennis counterpart hit back, piling on the pressure in the decider.
After each player had taken a set 6-1, Zverev raced into a 3-1 lead in the final set.
But the forecasted rain soon hit, causing a 50-minute delay in proceedings.
Upon the player's return to the court, Nadal looked unstoppable, winning all remaining games and taking the final set 6-3.
And speaking after the final, the 31-year-old admitted the break in play helped him to victory.
"The rain break was so important, I didn't think it would help me but it did," he said.
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I was able to come back out with clear ideas
"I was able to come back out with clear ideas, I'm very happy.
"To win Rome eight times is amazing, it's hard to describe.
"To have the chance to win here again is so great."
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Nadal has now won eight Italian Opens, and will head into the French Open full of confidence.
"This was a very difficult match played at one of the best events of the world," he added.
"To win again after my first (Rome title) in 2005 is amazing, the 2005 final was one of the best memories of my career."