Nadal Advances to Bastad Open Semis After Four-Hour Marathon

Rafael Nadal advanced to the semi-finals of the Bastad Open on Friday, defeating Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a grueling match that lasted three hours and 59 minutes. The final score was 6-7 (2/7), 7-5, 7-5.

This marks the first time the 22-time Grand Slam champion has reached the last four of a tournament since Wimbledon two years ago.

“It was very close, long and tiring,” said Nadal. This victory represents the second longest three-set match of his career, following the 2009 Madrid semi-final against Novak Djokovic, which lasted 4 hours and 3 minutes.

“For moments he was in control, for moments I was in control. At the end, no one was in control. That’s the truth,” added Nadal. “I was able to hold physically till the end. Let’s see how I am tomorrow. Today I’m alive and I’m in the semi-finals. So that’s super important.”

Nadal had a shaky start against Navone, who is currently ranked 36th in the world after starting the year outside the top 100. He lost his serve three times in a row to an opponent who became the first man in the Open era to be seeded in his maiden Grand Slam appearance at this year’s French Open.

The Spaniard trailed 4-1 and was down a double break but managed to fight back into the set, saving two set points in the 10th game before moving 6-5 ahead. Nadal had two set points as Navone served to stay in the set, and won the first five points of the tie-break to take control. However, Navone secured the first set when Nadal hit a forehand wide.

Nadal regrouped quickly, racing to a 3-0 lead in the second set. Navone responded by winning four games in a row, but Nadal halted his momentum. Navone held serve to put pressure on Nadal, but the 38-year-old broke back for a 6-5 lead and sealed the set with a decisive smash.

In the third set, Navone led 2-0 before Nadal won five consecutive games. A late stumble allowed Navone to level at 5-all, but Nadal broke again and won the match when Navone netted a forehand return.

Next, Nadal will face Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic, the world number 130, who defeated Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro in three sets. Ajdukovic, 23, had only won two tour-level matches before this week.

Nadal’s last singles title was at the 2022 French Open, his record-extending 14th Roland Garros victory. He is using the Bastad Open to prepare for the Paris Olympics, where tennis will be played at Roland Garros. This week marks his return to action since losing in the first round of the French Open in May.

Nadal is also competing in doubles in Sweden, partnering with Casper Ruud. They are scheduled to play in the semi-finals on Saturday, following Nadal’s singles match.

“It’s time to work on the recovery. Let’s see how I am tomorrow,” Nadal said.