Rafael Nadal has completed one of the most extraordinary comebacks of his career, saving two match points to beat Denis Shapovalov in Rome.
Nadal won 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) after nearly 3 hours and 30 minutes on court against the 13th-seeded Shapovalov at the Italian Open on Thursday.
Nadal roared back from 3-0 down in the second set and then saved two match points on his serve at 6-5 in the third.
“That’s why he’s won so many matches on clay,” Shapovalov said.
“It’s not the first time Rafa’s done this. I’m not the first person to lose with match points.
“He does well with the pressure in those moments.”
Nadal, who will be aiming for a record-extending 14th French Open title next month, was also pushed at times in a straight-sets win over 19-year-old Jannik Sinner that ended late on Wednesday.
“To be able to win these kind of matches against young players give me confidence with my body,” Nadal said.
The tennis world was left gobsmacked by Nadal’s ‘insane’ comeback.
