Rafael Nadal Secures ATP 250 Quarter-Finals Spot in Bastad
Rafael Nadal’s journey to the ATP 250 quarter-finals in Bastad may not be considered a notable achievement for a player with 22 Grand Slam titles. However, to accomplish this feat at his current stage in his career, when his primary focus is on maintaining his competitive level, makes it a special one. Nadal defeated Cameron Norrie, a 42nd ATP-ranked player who has previously beaten Carlos Alcaraz, in a match that holds significant meaning.
Preparations for the Olympic Games
Rafael Nadal is participating in the Swedish Open as preparation for the Olympic Games, where he will partner with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles. After a straightforward victory in his first match against Leo Borg, Nadal faced a higher-stakes match against Norrie. He emerged victorious, winning 6-4 and 6-4 in 104 minutes, coming back from a 1-4 deficit in the second set.
Serve and Comeback
Nadal’s serve was effective, with Norrie only managing to earn two break points in two games. Nadal saved the break in one of them, at the end of the first set when serving at 5-4. He also converted the first break of the match in the seventh game. Although he had opportunities to break early in the second set, he didn’t capitalize. Nadal required medical attention for his elbow after a stumble, but he was able to regain his composure and win five consecutive games, including a streak of 14 consecutive points, to secure his quarter-finals spot.
Quarter-Finals Lineup
Nadal will face Argentine Mariano Navone, a 39th ATP-ranked player and finalist in the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, in the quarter-finals. The other quarter-finalists are Adjukovic-Monteiro, Carballes-Tirante, and Tirante. Nadal’s next opponent will be Kazakh Skatov, with the winner of the duel between Portuguese Rocha and Borges.