Rafael Nadal survives scare from Belgium qualifier Zizou Bergs to pass Italian Open first round
Rafael Nadal survives scare from Zizou Bergs to pass Italian Open first round
Rafael Nadal survived a tough scare from Belgian qualifierZizou Bergs to go past the opening round in the Italian Open on Thursday (May 9). Going down in the first set 4-6, Nadal had a herculean task ahead but the former world number one was up for the challenge and came back in style to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4in a match that lasted overmore than 3 hours.
Nadal, the 10-time Italian Open champion who is on the road to a comeback following a plethora of injuries, wasn't at his best which gave a good chance to the 24-year-old. The Spaniardstruggledwith his movement and pace in the opening set, however, the experienced playerfound his footing and his signature fighting spirit in the next two sets. The turning point proved to be when Nadal broke Bergs' serve in the third game of the second set, paving the way fora thrilling comeback.
Talking about the third set, it saw both players exchanging breaks and displaying their grit and determination. Nadal's experience and fighting spirit proved to be the difference as he won4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to move ahead in the Italian Open,Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.
After the match, Nadal said, "It was not my best match. I was practising better than how I played today without a doubt but I found a way to win."
"That is so important at the beginning of the tournament. My game is more unpredictable than before. I didn't play much tennis for the past two years, so it is up and down. I think I can do much better than I did today and hope I can do it in the next round," he added.
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
Nadal will now lock horns withPoland's Hubert Hurkacz, facing the seventh seed for the first time in his decade-longcareer. The Spanish maestro will be eager to make a strong statement in the Italian Openahead of the French Open which kicks off later this month.