Wimbledon 2022: Rafael Nadal survives Cerundolo challenge to advance to second round

Rafael Nadal had to sweat hard in his opening round clash against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo at Center Court on Tuesday in the ongoing Wimbledon. However, the Spaniard was able to make it to the second round of Wimbledon for the 14th time after battling it out for three hours and 36 minutes as he won 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

The Argentine impressed with his big serve and forehand as he kept the veteran on his toes. Nadal took the first two sets and he was able to get an early break in the third set. However, Cerundolo bounced back in style to win the third set. Subsequently, it was a see-saw fourth set but Nadal kept his nerves, in the end, to wrap up the game.

Nadal gave credit for Francisco for playing a fine game and felt he was a bit rusty as he was making a return to grass after a long time.

“First of all, all the credit to Fran. I think he started to play great and [was] a very tough opponent,” Nadal said in his on-court interview. “It’s obvious that for me it’s been three years without being here, without playing on this amazing surface, so very happy to be back. For me, it’s always amazing playing here on this court and I can’t thank everyone enough for the support.”

Meanwhile, Nadal was making a return to grass after 2019 and he did struggle to bring his A-game to the court. The Spaniard admitted that he will take some time to hit the ground running as he hasn’t played at all on the surface.

“It’s not a surface that we play very often, and especially in my case, for different reasons, as I said the past three years I didn’t put any foot on a grass court, so it always takes a while,” Nadal said.

“It was my first match and as I know, every day is a test and today was one of these important tests. “I know at the beginning of the tournament especially, under the circumstances that I arrived here, the victory is the most important thing because that gives me the chance to practise tomorrow again and to have another match in two days. I’m happy for that, without a doubt.”

Cerundolo impressed with his game but Nadal was able to win the crucial points in the match. The Spaniard won a total of 134 points whereas the Argentine won a total of 123 points.

Nadal will face Ricardas Berankis in the second round who won his opening game against Sam Querrey in straight sets.