Rafael Nadal makes first tennis final in over two years
Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal defeated qualifier Duje Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to make the final of the Swedish Open on Saturday in Bastad, marking the Spaniard’s first final appearance in over two years.
Nadal has had significant injury issues since winning the French Open in 2022, and is competing in the ATP 250 event as a wildcard.
After winning a four-hour long quarter-final over Mariano Navone on Friday, there was some doubt about whether the 38-year-old would take to the court on Saturday.
He did, and looked sluggish to begin with, before finding his groove and dispatching the world No.130 in three sets.
Nadal favourite to win Bastad title
The victory was another scrappy affair, with 11 breaks of serve across the two-hour, 13-minute match.
Nadal will be pleased at his execution, however. The Spaniard was six from six on break points converted, and struck far less unforced errors than in his quarter-final clash (just eight, with 21 winners).
“It was a tough match. My opponent had one of the best backhands that I played against,” Nadal said after defeating Adjukovic.
“He came here with a lot of confidence.
“I was trying to push him back. It was very, very difficult, honestly, but I found a way to survive and be through to that final after a long time without being in a final.
“So that’s great news and I’m very happy with that.”
Nadal will face Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the final of the Swedish Open, where he is a $1.40 favourite at tennis bookmakers to lift his 93rd career title.
Doubles disappointment for Ruud
Nadal’s victory over Adjukovic was bittersweet, as it meant he needed to withdraw from the doubles event on Saturday.
The 22-Grand Slam champion had been due to play the semi-final alongside Casper Ruud just hours after his singles match. The pair had gained two victories already in Bastad, including over the second seeds.
However, given he played a four-hour match on Friday and his semi-final went to three sets, Nadal opted to pull out of the doubles to preserve himself for Sunday’s final.
Regardless of the challenging decision, Nadal is choosing to see the positives from this week.
“Things were not going that easy, but I am fighting,” he shared.
“I am fighting during the whole tournament to be where I am today, and I think matches like yesterday’s, like today’s, help to improve a lot of things on court.
“I am happy with that, and let’s see if I am able to play a little bit better tomorrow.”