Another feat for the eternal Rafa: he beat Ajdukovic, reaching the 131st final of his incredible career. He can return to success more than two years after Paris 2022.
More than two years later, Here’s Rafa Nadal again in an ATP final. The last time was at Roland Garros in 2022, the last legendary feat of the Majorcan in a career illuminated by series of triumphs. After that, an ordeal made of injuries and physical problems in succession, which seemed to be the prelude to the end of his competitive activity. But no. Rafa’s ‘Last Dance’ is still reserving enormous satisfactions. Like that of Bastad, in Sweden, the tournament chosen by the Spanish champion to prepare for the Paris Olympics: it was supposed to be a walk in the park, it will end with the decisive match for the title.
Nadal, another comeback: he defeats Ajdukovic in three sets
Nadal reached the 131st ATP final of his exceptional sporting career once again thanks to a sensational comebackthe day after fighting for four hours against the Argentine Mariano Navone. In front of him is the Croatian Duje Ajdukovic, 15 years younger, 23 years old against Rafa’s 38. Number 130 in the world the Croatian, number 261 (strange, but true) the Iberian. A beautiful and hard-fought match like few others, started with a double break for the Croatian, who pushed himself up to 3-0. But Ajdukovic will win the first set only out of breath, at 6-4, after a desperate and unsuccessful attempt at a comeback by Nadal.
Bastad, all standing for Rafa: thrilling success
The Spaniard, however, believed in it until the end.. He has always done it, on the other hand, in his twenty-year career. To win he would have needed another costly marathon, but he did not lose heart. He continued to push, immediately acquired a good advantage in the second set and managed to capitalize on it until 6-3, worth the temporary 1-1. Then, the third and decisive set was heart-pounding. Nadal extended his lead and broke, Ajdukovic replied with a counterbreak and the score was 3-3. Then Rafa’s new break and victory in the tenth game (6-4). All standing in Sweden at the end of the race, for the Highlander from Mallorca and his worthy opponent.
For Nadal it is the 131st final of his career: and then, Paris
The red earth, in short, confirms itself as the Majorcan’s most faithful friend, who has built most of his triumphs and his legend on this surface. There is now only one match separating him from yet another title – which would be number 93, counting only his singles successes – the final, against the winner of the match between the Portuguese Nuno Borges, seed number 7, and Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante. For Nadal, showing up in Paris with another trophy in his cabinet would be a huge confidence boost. In Bastad – and not only there – everyone will be cheering for him.
Source: sport.virgilio.it
