Rafael Nadal advanced to the semi-finals of the Bastad Open on Friday by defeating Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a thrilling match that lasted three hours and 59 minutes. The 22-time Grand Slam champion won 6-7 (2/7), 7-5, 7-5, marking his first semi-final appearance in a tournament since Wimbledon two years ago.
Nadal faces a tough start against rising star Navone, who is currently ranked 36th in the world after a non-100-year start. Navone, who made history by becoming the first in the Open era to produce in his first Grand Slam. at this year’s French Open, broke Nadal three times in a row early in the match.
Nadal Stages Epic Comeback at Bastad Open, Faces Ajdukovic Next
Trailing 4-1 and behind from a double break, Nadal fought back in the set, saving two points in 10 games before taking a 6-5 advantage. Despite two set points against Nadal, Navone forced a break, which he dominated to win the first set after Nadal dropped it.
Nadal quickly rallied in the second set, taking a 3-0 lead. Navone responded by winning four straight games, but Nadal ended the streak and held serve. Under pressure, Nadal broke Navone’s serve to take the lead 6-5, then closed the set with a bang, celebrating with a punch.
In the third set, Navone took a 2-0 lead, but Nadal responded by winning the next five games. Although Navone managed to keep the set at 5-5, Nadal broke again and won the match after almost four hours on court.
Next up for Rafael Nadal is Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic, ranked 130 in the world, who had won just two matches at the tour level before the tournament. Nadal is using the Bastad Open as preparation for the Paris Olympics, where tennis will take place at Roland Garros. This week marks Nadal’s return to competition since his first win at Roland Garros in late May.
In addition, Rafael Nadal is still active in the doubles tournament in Sweden, partnering with Casper Ruud. They will play in the semifinals on Saturday, following Nadal’s singles match.
