(AFP) – Rafael Nadal survived a mini-crisis to rack up his 80th win at Roland Garros on Tuesday as the 10-time champion defeated Italian lucky loser Simone Bolelli 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (11/9) to reach the second round.
Rafa had been two sets up but 0-3 down in the third when rain caused the tie to be suspended late Monday. He quickly levelled at 3-3 on Tuesday, saved four break points in the eighth game before saving four set points. Rafa eventually claimed the match on a third match point when Bolelli dumped a forehand into the net.
After the match, Rafa said:
I really suffered today but it was a good test.
It was a very difficult match. Simone played very well, very aggressively. He had a lot of chances in the third set.
But I am happy to have won here on this court, the most important of my career.
Our champ next faces Guido Pella for a place in the last 32.
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Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after victory over Italy’s Simone Bolelli during their men’s singles first round match on day three of The Roland Garros 2018 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on May 29, 2018. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Italy’s Simone Bolelli she hands after their first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 29, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal hugs Italy’s Simone Bolelli after winning his first round match REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
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Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after victory over Italy’s Simone Bolelli during their men’s singles first round match on day three of The Roland Garros 2018 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on May 29, 2018. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Rafael Nadal is seen changing shirt during the 2018 French Open – Day Three at Roland Garros on May 29, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Pierre Suu/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Rafael Nadal is seen changing shirt during the 2018 French Open – Day Three at Roland Garros on May 29, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Pierre Suu/Getty Images)
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Source: AFP
Rafa very well done,
and I am quite sure Carlos Moya and the team will help you get your serving going stronger for the next matches.
Love and prayers for next match,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX