World No. 2 Rafael Nadal began his Internazionali BNL d’Italia campaign in Rome, following a 6-1, 6-1 win over fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta to reach the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event. It was his first match since capturing a third Acapulco crown in February.
“It’s good to be back on the Tour,” said Rafa, in an on-court interview. “I miss the crowds. I played a good match, maybe he was a little bit tired after all his matches in New York. It was a perfect start for me. It was solid, and I hit good shots on the forehand and backhand. I didn’t expect to play that well.”
For a spot in the ATP Masters 1000 event quarter-finals, Rafa will play either Canadian Milos Raonic or Serb Dusan Lajovic.
What a great start for our champion! VAMOS RAFA!
Bien jugado, buen comienzo, adelantw Rafa!!!!!!!
So happy to see you back on the court. Vamos Rafa ❤️
I thought it went really well. I was nervous beforehand, because Rafa was coming back after 6 1/2 months off, whereas Pablo’d already had several matches, and chance to get used to all the general weirdness of there being no fans and having to wear masks and so on, but it was great!
Rafa congratulations in your win vamosssssss champ we miss you is nice to si you playing again love ❤️ your fans for ever 👍🎾👍🎾👍🎾❤️😘🎾
Great Game today the King Rafa play vert constant very good great
. Welcome back Rafa. .❤❤❤💘💞💖💞💞💖🤗🤗🤗
A fabulous start in Rome with an emphatic win. Well done Rafa!
😍🍀🤩👍🏻
Yes, a big welcome back to Rafa. So happy you started your clay campaign with a resounding win. Stay safe and go get’em.
Always humble, always gracious. Welcome back with a convincing win. Efficient and smart.
Stay healthy and tough💪👏👍🤛🍀❤️
ahhhh that feels better! Rafa is back and doing his thing. Superb performance for his first match after 200 days.¡Vamos!
Congratulations Rafa, so good to see you back in action again. Vamos x
Both Raonic and Lajovic are tricky customers but don’t feel they pose a serious threat to Rafa.
On a superficial fashion note: really liking the colors of Rafa’s kit.
I like the kit too and how his mask is part of the outfit. And the 12 on his shoes must mean he’s wearing them for RG I think.
BTW-that mask is for sale on the Academy website for €12.90.
I just ordered two.
I really like what Rafa’s wearing too. The lime green shirt looks great against his sun tanned skin.
Very nice Mimi.
I considered ordering the blue mask. Thought wearing it might improve my tennis.🤣😂
Alas found the €37 shipping fee a bit too high.
Enjoy yours and wear them in good health.
Thank you, Pauline, so nice of you!🙏 Do you play tennis?
I bought two t-shirts last year when I visited his academic after I watched him at the Barcelona Open, and I love them so much, so this time I bought two shorts along with the masks to go with my shirts. I ordered one yellow and one blue. My shipping fee is €27 and yes it is high. I normally don’t order online unless it is free shipping. I just pretend I don’t see the charge this time🤦♀️😂
Pauline, I’ve been looking at Krajinović as a possible tricky one but he’s playing ND tomorrow. Let’s see if Krajinović can do some damage.
Would be happy Margo to see anyone stop ND from winning another Masters 1,000. We can worry about Krajinovic later.
This young Musetti fellow is looking very impressive. Already took down Stan. Could continue to be a giant killer. One to watch out for.
Mimi,
They have now added white masks. Saw a photo of Maria Perello wearing one at the Academy in late August. Think I will bite the bullet and order it. You only live once right?
I actually don’t play tennis. That was a wee joke. Sadly I do better as an armchair athlete.
Hoping once Covid is over to visit Mallorca including spending a night at the RNA. I understand they have a shuttle service. Aiming for 2021.
Pauline,
That’s right, go for it!
Good idea👍 My husband and I enjoyed the visit.
Congrats Rafa – So great to ser your wonderful shuts again. Amazing
Welcome back, Rafa! 😆 Enjoyed your first match back in action👏
Good luck in the next round🍀❤️