BASTAD, Sweden — Rafael Nadal recovered from a tumble and a 4-1 deficit in the second set to beat fifth-seeded Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 in the second round of the Nordea Open on Thursday.
Nadal fell over in the first game of the second set after attempting to slide on the clay, and needed treatment on a couple of bleeding scrapes. He then went a break down before winning the last five games of the match to reach his first quarterfinal since January.
“Great feelings, it’s been a while without playing on the tour since Roland Garros and I had a chance to compete against a great player like Cameron,” Nadal said. “It’s part of the journey today. I haven’t been competing very often so matches like today help and holding the pressure on the opponent for the whole game is something I need to improve on because I haven’t played enough.”
Nadal is playing at the tournament in Sweden for the first time since he won the title as a 19-year-old in 2005 as he prepares for the Olympic tournament on clay at Roland Garros in Paris.
He beat Leo Borg, the son of Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg, in the first round on Tuesday. That was his first singles match since he lost in the first round of the French Open to Alexander Zverev. He teamed up with Casper Ruud on Monday to win a first-round doubles match.
The 38-year-old Nadal skipped Wimbledon as he didn’t want to switch surface to grass and then back to clay and risk injury. He has been dealing with hip and abdominal injuries over the past 1 1/2 years.
Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis sensation, has once again proven why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. In a thrilling match at the Nordea Open in Sweden, Nadal secured his spot in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought victory over British player Cameron Norrie.
The match was a display of skill and determination from both players, but it was Nadal who ultimately emerged victorious. The Spaniard’s powerful forehand and relentless defense proved to be too much for Norrie to handle, as Nadal claimed a 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Nadal’s performance in this match is a testament to his incredible talent and unwavering focus on the court. Despite facing a tough opponent in Norrie, Nadal remained calm and composed throughout the match, showcasing his mental toughness and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
With this win, Nadal has once again shown why he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis. His impressive run at the Nordea Open is a clear indication that he is in top form and ready to compete at the highest level.
As Nadal advances to the quarterfinals of the Nordea Open, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what he will bring to the court in the next round. With his unmatched skill and determination, Nadal is sure to put on a show for tennis enthusiasts everywhere as he continues his quest for yet another title.