Ten-time champion Rafael Nadal bounced back from a set down to beat qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Italian capital with a gritty performance which will need to be improved upon when the Spaniard faces his next opponent, world number nine Hubert Hurkacz.
Rafa took nearly three hours to see off Belgian Bergs as he continued his comeback and bid to play at Roland Garros, most likely for the last time.
“I have Roland Garros in just two weeks and a half… I need to prove myself if I am able to push my body to the limit, I need to push to feel myself ready for what’s coming,” Rafa told reporters. I am not talking only about Roland Garros. I am talking about the next match. I need to lose this fear. Matches like today help. Some moments I was moving faster. Some moments not. I need to get used to that, to take that risk… I feel more ready to try it than before.”
Source: AFP
Rafa said the loss to Hurkacz was due to not having mental clarity today. So it was likely not physical.
So the bad news is Rafa lost and did not play like he is used to and made too many errors. The good news is Rafa has two weeks to improve and believes he can play a lot better.
We hope we get to see Rafa play at Roland Garros this year and at a much better level. Rafa deserves nothing less in the most important venue of his career.
I wonder why Maria and the baby were sitting by themselves today? I hope there is no family discord as this would have upset Rafa’s concentration.
He never plays the week before a major but may want to consider taking a wildcard for Geneva or Lyon to get more practice and playing time in against better quality opponents than he would have at his Academy.
Sky Sports said that a presentation ceremony was planned, as in Madrid, but that Rafa didn’t want it and just walked straight off the court, which is worrying. I hope we’re going to see him in Paris, but I’m not sure. He’s given us many wonderful years in Rome, and I’m very sad to think that that was his last match there.
Really? Rafa must have been very upset and embarrassed with his performance not to stay for a presentation, feeling that he let the crowd down as well as himself.
Rafa’s someone who sets high standards for himself and to lose in that manner must have been very crushing emotionally. I think if he’d have lost, but played well he probably would have stayed.
I hardly ever write now. Just follow and watch. Am very sad seeing how quickly Hurkacz finished the match. Just too sad! Nevertheless will always stand behind you, route for you and you’ll be my number 1 forever. Love you ❤️❤️❤️
All the very best for the French Open 🍀🍀🍀❤️❤️❤️
Wow what a lousy match from Rafa. Too many errors from our champ.
At this point I think RG may just be a ceremonial appearance:):) We need to be realistic, current Rafa is not looking very good for a deep run at RG.
Stay healthy and happy champ!!
Hi Mac. This is not the Rafa of old and i’m more concerned about the manner in which he lost than the loss itself, with too many ufe’s.
Rafa looked laboured out there today and the first two games dragging on didn’t do him any favours. Maybe the disappointment of not breaking in the first game lingered.
He struggled to get past the finish line in a long match against Berges, so I don’t know quite what to expect from him in a best of five at RG, but I’m happy to live off the wonderful memories Rafa has given me down the years.
Just one word after that match…Phenomenadal
Yes and that backward roll recovery after the fall was truly amazing! 👏🏽👏🏽
Rafa acknowledges that he has been holding back a bit for fear of another injury and will need to start playing like his old self soon. I hope he can make it happen and stay injury free. Looking forward to watching all of Rafa’s matches and victories this year. Vamos!
Great win yesterday rafa 👏 hope you’re feeling good for your next match 👍 vamos ❤
Yes, spot on! Fear is the enemy. When you play freely – my son and I call it god-mode – well, you become unbeatable.
Saw this in the US Open and Australia Open against Medvedev. In the latter, you problem-solved by executing the backhand down-the-line instead of the cross-court.
You are such a good problem-solver, Rafa. Always remember these words.
Congrats on the win, Rafa. Hope you are feeling healthy and confident. All the best
in the next round🥰👏👍💪🙏🤛🍀❤️
Rafa, I know many will favor Hurkacz in the next round for his huge serves and weapons. But you are the one with the clay pedigree and prodigious experience. I pick Rafa to win and keep winning! Best of luck!!😀💪🍀
Glad to hear Rafa will commit to pushing his body again and overcoming the fear of another injury. Vamos Rafa and stay healthy! We want to see you play your best again!
Happy to hear that❤️
Rafa looks better and better. Take rest and than all the best for the next round.