Rafael Nadal (38) has reached his first final since winning the 2022 French Open, defeating Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic (23) in a hard-fought three-set match in Bastad. The Spaniard, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, overcame Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, marking a significant milestone ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Nadal faced a tough challenge from Ajdukovic, the world number 130, who had previously won just two tour-level matches. Despite losing the first set, Nadal rallied to secure victory, returning to the final of a tournament he last won as a teenager in 2005.
“It was a very tough match. It was very difficult honestly, but I found a way to survive and be through to the final after a long time without being in a final, so that’s great news and I’m very happy with that,” said Nadal.
In the final, Nadal will face Portuguese seventh seed Nuno Borges, who defeated Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante in the other semi-final. Nadal aims for his 93rd singles title, with his last victory coming at the 2022 French Open.
Nadal’s journey back to the final is notable, given his ranking has fallen to 261 following multiple injuries and a significant hip surgery nearly a year ago. He emphasized the importance of the matches in Bastad for his recovery and confidence.
Nadal struggled early against Ajdukovic, falling 3-0 and a double break down in the first set. However, he fought back, breaking twice in the second set and overcoming a shaky start in the third. Despite losing his serve twice, Nadal broke again in the seventh game and held on to secure the win.
Using Bastad as a preparation for the Olympic Games, where tennis will be played on the clay at Roland Garros, Nadal is eyeing further success. He previously won Olympic gold in singles in Beijing 2008 and doubles in Rio 2016.
