Rafael Nadal has reached the final of the Rome Masters courtesy of a 6-4, 6-4 victory over big-serving American Reilly Opelka this afternoon. One break in each set was enough for the world No 3 to make it through to Sunday’s showpiece event. His match against Opelka was Rafa’s 500th career ATP match on clay. He now holds a 458-42 (91.6%) win-loss record on the surface.
“I did the thing that I had to do today,” Rafa said in his post-match interview. “It is not an easy, beautiful match to play and against a player like Reilly, you aren’t going to have rhythm. You know you are going to have just a few options on your return and you know he can play very aggressive from the baseline. That is what happened at the beginning of the match. He had some options for the break and it was super important for me to save those moments.”
Our champ, aiming for a record-extending 10th Rome title, will next face either Novak Djokovic or Lorenzo Sonego.
Most finals reached by Rafa:
- Roland Garros: 13 (13-0)
- Barcelona: 12 (12-0)
- Monte-Carlo: 12 (11-1)
- Rome: 12 (9-2)
Congratulations Rafa. Buena Suerte Rafa today v Nole
I was so disappointed that they showed the Iga and Cori womans match instead of Nadals. So glad that he won but would haved loved seeing it. GOOD LUCK against Djoc tomorrow. Youve done it before and can do it again.
Congratulations to Rafa and Iga!! Good luck to both tomorrow.🍀❤️
Vamos Rafa💪💪💪
Wahoo!! Didn’t get to watch the match except for the end because TC was showing the ladies. Looks like Rafa had a fairly easy time with Opelka. Watching Djokovic and Sonego… Jim Courier said he is a late bloomer!( I’ve never heard of him before) He is really good and he has a really spicy Italian personality! Very entertaining to watch!
Ziggy, I subscribed TC plus just for Rafa. I turned my TV off.😅 Coco is sensational, but why not showing the King of Clay vs Opelka who is also an American, does anyone know?
Good question Mimi! I might subscribe to TC plus when things get back to full swing.They repeat and repeat it all day long so I’ll get to watch it.What did you think of the match between Rafa & Opelka? I myself do not care for that type of game where there is just aces and no game in between.Rafa is back to being Rafa on clay! I’m hoping that Sonego will win & get to play Rafa in the final!
I thought Rafa did a good job saving a couple of break points in the beginning, very important. Since then it was smooth sailing. Facing big hitter like Opelka, the best thing is to avoid a tiebreak.👍
ENHORABUENA!!! Por tu llegada a la final, y por tu resolución a este partido, nunca olvides servir lo mejor posible como hoy has hecho, SUERTE para mañana, VAMOS RAFA!!!!!
Happy birthday to Andy Murray who celebrates his 34th birthday today.
Happy Birthday Andy! … I love Andy and miss him on tour. Such a shame he had a great career but was cut short with all those hip and back issues. I loved watching Judy in the stands …she was like us with Rafa! I believe I heard that Andy has four children…is that correct? Also think he is playing doubles here and there.
You got the measure of the big man, Rafa. Just one more to go champ!
Great job Rafa👏 Hope I have another chance to make a donation in your honor, all the best.🍀💪❤️
VAMOS RAFA
Rafaaaaaaaaaaaaaa JUST VAMOS
Well done champ. All the best for the final tomorrow. Go for it❤️
Well played Rafa.
Good luck in the final champ!
Congratulations to Rafa for reaching the final. Hard fought battles. It isn’t over yet. Just one more. GOOD LUCK IN THE FINAL
I’m going to be a coward & not watch his one! I just don’t want to get stressed out today! Even though I am so much better with Rafa losing it still upsets me( especially if it’s with Novak)! I did want to watch Opelka & Rafa yesterday but they only showed the last part of it! Anyway enjoy & may Rafa Rock for all of us!
You’re on the ball! You must have posted this the second that the umpire called “Game, set and match” 🙂 !
I can smell Rafa getting his 10th title in Rome. He totally deserves to be in the finals. He earned it.
Congrats getting to the finals. Fingers cross.
VAMOS RAFA. No 1 to us all. 😁⭐️👍