22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal was in very good form at Wimbledon on Saturday as he beat Italian Lorenzo Sonego in their third round clash on Centre Court on his way to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory. Rafa has now reached the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the 53rd time.
“My best match without a doubt here this year against the most difficult player I’ve faced yet. I wish Lorenzo all the best. He’s a great player on grass.”
Rafa went on to lift the lid on what happened at the end between himself and Sonego, with our champ having been left annoyed by his opponent’s grunting in the latter stages of the third and final set.
“Not spicy at all. I didn’t mean it in a negative way. I am very sorry if I bothered him. I feel really bad and I am sorry for that.”
On his fitness: “You never know – it’s always a tricky thing. I went through some tough injuries in my career but in some way I feel very lucky that I am still able to play at my age. I never thought that would happen 10 years ago so I feel lucky so thanks to everyone who has supported to me in this journey.”
Our champ will take on No. 25 Botic van de Zandschulp next. Their second career meeting is scheduled on Monday. The Dutchman continued his good run at the Grand Slams since his breakthrough at the US Open, where he reached the quarter finals as a qualifier. Since then, he reached the third round at the Australian Open and Roland Garros before his fourth round run in London.
Rafa getting better and better now. The glimpse of his power and moves are starting to show in this much! Well done Rafa! Wishing you the best for you Calendar Slam journey!
Rafa was looking amazing today despite the chaos in the 3rd set. I love when he’s firing on all cylinders and hitting his shots with ease. It keeps my stress levels down! LOL Keep going, Rafa!
Heaven rejoices for your great game, Rafa! Of course, God’s powerful hands has blessed you indeed. Praise God for his favor, blessing and grace for the win. The strength, power and wisdom all through out the game. Thank you, Lord Jesus! We give you back all the glory and the honor Lord Jesus Christ. We all rejoices and celebrate for the favor you have given to Rafa to Win. Blessed be your name God Almighty FOREVER MORE!
Amen!
Awsome match!…Rafa, you are a class act..
NEXT!
No excuses for the drama by sonego to get the roof closed, but was Rafa wrong on the double bounce? I think the ball bounced once and it was a great winner. Rafa’s level was at least two steps up from the last round. Well done
Thank you Rafa for a stress free match. I couldn’t follow what happened at the end but I really needed a straight sets win!. Not that I got to see a lot of it with U.S. tv focused on Stef v. Nick.
But its on to the second week of Wimbledon! Congratulations Rafa!
Great match👏👏 best performance on gras so far without a doubt.
Take rest and than all the best for the next round on monday. Keep it up Rafa❤️
No words for the show by Sonego🤦♂️
ENHORABUENA!!!! Hoy tu juego a funcionado, adelante!!!! Y sigue asi