Rafael Nadal (38 years) This afternoon and after a new comeback, he defeated young Croatian Duje Ajdukovic (23) by 4-6, 6-3 and 6-4 in the semifinals of the ATP 250 tournament in Bastad (Sweden) and qualified for a final after more than two years without making it.
To find the latter, we need return to Roland Garros in 2022when he played the deciding match for the title in Paris against the Norwegian Casper Ruudwherein losing clearly 6-3, 6-3 and 6-0.
And he does it afterwards win four games in a rowmatter Nadal has not achieved this since Wimbledon, also in 2022when he qualified for the semifinals against Kyrgios who was unable to compete due to physical problems.
A few days before the start of the tennis tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it seems that the man from Manaco is gradually recovering his good feelings on clay. At the right time of the season and an Olympic medal on the horizon.
After the previous day’s loss against the Argentine Mariano Navone (almost a four-hour game) in quarters, a lot doubting Nadal’s physical condition and how he can rise to face today’s rivalry against a player much younger than him.
And the beginning may not be so hopeful: Adjukovic broke the first two serves and quickly took a 0-3 lead.. Despite returning one of two breaks, Nadal failed to complete the comeback and the first set was decided by 4-6 the Croatian side.
The second race also started with some breaks, but it was the third, the Balearic Islands achieved in the sixth game (4-2), which ultimately proved decisive so Nadal took the set 6-3.
Thirdly and decisively, Nadal seemed to take the lead, winning the first three games (and racked up seven of the last eight), which included a couple of breaks, but, like yesterday, the former world number 1 lacked the necessary consistency to get the set back on track and He allowed Ajdukovic to break a few serves and level the score (3-3).
But when everything seemed against Nadal, The man from Manacor pulled out all the stops to get a crucial break in the seventh game and regain the lead on the scoreboard (4-3).
From there to the end, they both maintained their service and the Balearic He ended his victory with a final 6-4.
And what is most interesting for Nadal: in just two hours of play.
Tomorrow will be Nadal’s second final in Bastad. The past, and clear example of the longevity of the Balearic Islands, is date!2005!, the only time he participated in the tournament in Sweden, and where he won the title afterwards defeated Czech Tomas Berdych by 2-6, 6-2 and 6-4.
Source: La Verdad
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