Top seed Rafael Nadal overcame a tough start to his campaign at the Paris Masters by ousting compatriot Feliciano Lopez in a three-set tussle.
The world No.2 had to come back from a set down and didn’t manage to break his 39-year-old opponent until more than 100 minutes into the match before sealing the 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, victory in the French capital. Taking on Lopez for the first time on the Tour since 2015, Nadal faced some impressive serving from across the court with his compatriot dropping only six points behind his first serve during the opening two sets. Nevertheless, Nadal managed to weather the storm with the help of 16 aces and 33 winners.
“I started the match the worst way possible, especially against a big server like Feli (Lopez). After that I played under a lot of pressure the rest of the match, but I found a way,” Nadal commented on his latest performance.
“This victory is one that I am very proud. The personal satisfaction sometimes is bigger when you win these kinds of matches than if you go on court and win 6-3, 6-3.” He added.
Seeking his first ever title at the Masters 1000 event, a tentative start by Nadal saw him get broken in the opening game which subsequently cost him the first set. Coming back from behind, the Spaniard had multiple opportunities to break Lopez in two separate games during the middle frame but failed to convert any.
In an encounter of fine margins, it was a single shot during the tiebreak that helped the former world No.1 prevent a shock loss. At 3-3 a forehand shot at the net from Nadal granted him a mini break as he closed in on levelling the match. Two points later a forehand winner granted him a trio of set points. He prevailed on his third after a shot from Lopez failed to reach the net.
Mirroring the first set, it was an early break that proved pivotal in the decider but this time it was in Nadal’s favour. Capitalising on a lacklustre Lopez service game he broke at the start en route to opening up a 2-0 lead. Battling his way to the finish line Nadal sealed victory with the help of a Lopez shot crashing into the net.
The latest victory has sealed a historic milestone for the 34-year-old who has become only the fourth man in history to have won 1000 singles matches on the ATP Tour. Following in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl and Roger Federer. The achievement was marked by an on-court photo presentation. This week Nadal is also celebrating a record-equalling 789 consecutive weeks in the Top 10.
“This means that I am old and that I have played well for such a very long time because to achieve that number is something that makes me feel happy,” he commented on the milestone.
“I know is a very special number, 1000. Even if it’s not the same to celebrate something like this without a crowd, I enjoy it with ATP, the president of the French Federation, Guy Forget, supervisor and the ball boys.’
“I enjoy it and thank all of them for making this moment a little bit more special.”
It was 15 years ago when Nadal reached the 100 mark in terms of wins on the ATP Tour. So far in his career he has won a total of 86 ATP titles which includes 20 at Grand Slams. A true testament to his longevity in the sport. Especially considering he was once told at a young age he may have to stop playing the sport due to a ‘deformity in his left foot.’ Something that was later corrected.
“I faced issues in terms of injuries during different parts of my career but I always hold the passion and the love to keep doing what I do. That is to play tennis,” Nadal explains.
“I was able to keep being hungry to keep going and be humble enough to accept the challenges, to accept that in some moments things were not going the way that I expected.’
“I always had great help with great people around me and great family. Without them, of course, it would be impossible.”
Nadal will play Australia’s Jordan Thompson in the third round.
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