Top-seeded Rafael Nadal began his singles season with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Lithuanian qualifer Ricardas Berankis in one hour and 32 minutes on Thursday at the Melbourne Summer Set. He will next play the winner of the match between Alexei Popyrin or Tallon Griekspoor.
Our champ moved with ease on court as he wrapped up the first set in 31 minutes. He was not quite so fluid in the second set, however, with the players trading early breaks. He went ahead 5-2 but Berankis clawed his way back into the contest to level at 5-5 before the Spaniard switched gears again to secure the victory.
Rafa finished the match with an almost-even 16 winners to 18 unforced errors, and converted on five of his eight break point opportunities.
I’m super happy to be back playing competitively and it is difficult to imagine a better place than Australia to return.
It’s only my first match after a while and I have been going through difficult moments in the last year-and-a-half. But in general terms I’m happy and it’s important to start with a win.
Updated: After his win, Rafa withdrew from his next doubles match against Andrey Golubev and Franko Skugor due to fatigue.
Source: Reuters
Congratulations well don Rafa this year is your champ and good luck 👍💪👍💪🎾❤️
Rafa looks great. I hope he can build up his endurance after being away so long. Wishing him a great 2022 and beyond.
Congrats to Rafa on his win. He sailed through the first set but the second was more challenging. He finished well. The balls seemed very light as a number went all over the court.
Jaume won his match also in very similar fashion, great first set but won the second 7/5.
Rafa didn’t say that he was ” fatigued” but wanted to be ” fresh” for the next single s match.
Great to see him back on court
Didn’t get to see Rafa’s match, but Rafa looked great in this outfit. Well done Rafa for the win! Vamos!
Well done champ. This was the first step to get better and better❤️
Congrats Rafa!👏 Good luck in the next round.🍀❤️ I am waiting for your doubles match now…
Vamos💪
Jaume is still playing his singles match at the moment…he and Rafa gave a walk-over to their opponents in doubles. Good luck in singles Rafa.🍀❤️
Welcome back Rafa~ what a treat for all your fans to see you back healthy & fit! Turned on the TV just in time to see you enter to a loud roar from all your Australian fans! ~ It’s always thrilling to see Rafa walk on court & see him playing well! Something I will never get tired of! VAMOS RAFA!
Congrats on win as you begin Australian campaign. Hope the foot is responding well to match play.
All the best👏👍💪🤛🍀🎾❤️
It wasn’t smoothly but win is a win and it can go only better match by match!