2005 champion Rafael Nadal delivered an outstanding comeback victory against Mariano Navone at the Swedish Open on Friday, demonstrating his preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris.
Our champ defeated the Argentine fourth seed in a gripping contest, winning 5-7, 7-5, 7-5 to advance to the semi-finals in Bastad. The match lasted 3 hours and 59 minutes.
I lost for some moments my concentration, but I was able to hold physically until the end. That is so important for me. Let’s see how I am tomorrow, but today I am alive and in the semi-finals, so that’s very important.
There were a lot of changing dynamics in every single set. For moments, he was in control. For moments, I was in control. But at the end, no one was in control! That’s true, and I had a good chance in the second with 3-0. Then I was very close to losing the match in the second set.
In the third I was ahead again with 5-2, but he’s a great fighter and he played a great match. I wish him all the very best for the rest of the season.
Rafa Nadal
Rafa will next face Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic. It will be his first semifinal since withdrawing from Wimbledon 2022.
Source: ATP Tour
Seeing Rafa fight and win a match like that, well, it’s better than a 250 title. Hope Rafa recovers well! He’s gonna be sore tomorrow.
Great job Rafa!!! Just hope you stay healthy and fit during and after this tournament and also for the Olympics. 🍀🍀👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️❤️
It was a bruising win, but these are the types of matches that Rafa needs to get back to his best. The lapse of concentration made the match longer than it needed to be, but I think is something he can continue to improve on. Hopefully Rafa has enough gas in the tank to keep on winning to the title!
Of course he won!!!!!!
Way to go Rafa!!
Good luck tomorrow with singles and Rudal!❤️❤️❤️ vamos
It was a good 4 hour workout for Rafa! Hope Rafa continues to win his way to the title! Stay happy and healthy, and the wins will continue. 😀
A fight to win this match. Congrats-all the best in next round👏👍🍀🎾🥰
Rafa won 6/7, 7/5, 7/5. Rafa has to play singles and doubles tomorrow…
Good luck Rafa and Casper.❤️❤️
Such a physical encounter for both players!!! I am thrilled it went Rafa’s way.🙏😁 Hope Rafa is okay.❤️ Vamos Rafa💪💪💪