Rafael Nadal fought his way into the semi-finals of the Bastad Open on Friday, defeating Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-7(2), 7-5, 7-5 in a marathon three-hour and 59-minute match. This victory marks the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s first appearance in the last four of a tournament since Wimbledon two years ago.
“It was very close, long, and tiring,” said Nadal, reflecting on his second-longest three-set match, surpassed only by the 2009 Madrid semi-final against Novak Djokovic. “For moments he was in control. For moments I was in control. At the end, no one was in control. That’s the truth.”
Nadal’s victory came after a challenging start against the fast-rising Navone, who is now ranked 36th in the world. The Spaniard dropped serve three times in a row and trailed 4-1, down a double break.
However, Nadal fought back, saving two set points in the 10th game and moving ahead 6-5. Despite losing the first set in a tie-break, Nadal regrouped and secured a 3-0 lead in the second set. Navone responded by winning four consecutive games before Nadal broke again to take the set 7-5.
The third set saw Navone initially take a 2-0 lead, but Nadal responded with five successive games. After a late comeback by Navone, Nadal ultimately broke again and sealed the victory when Navone’s forehand return found the net.
Nadal will next face Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic, who defeated Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro in the quarter-finals. The 23-year-old Ajdukovic, ranked 130th in the world, is enjoying a breakthrough week, having won just two tour-level matches before this tournament.
Nadal, who won his last singles title at the 2022 French Open, is using the Bastad Open as preparation for the Paris Olympics. He returned to action this week after a first-round loss at the French Open in late May. In addition to his singles campaign, Nadal is also competing in doubles with Casper Ruud. They are set to play in the semi-finals on Saturday.
“It’s time to work on the recovery. Let’s see how I am tomorrow,” said Nadal, emphasizing his focus on staying fit for his upcoming matches.
