Rafael Nadal He wastes a little time to reserve his place in Wimbledon The fourth round on Saturday evening, bypassing the Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
In his best performance this week, the Spaniard lit up the central court with his aggressive and all-out game. The 36-year-old hit the ball past Sonego from all angles, while showing deft touches into the net to take the lead after two hours and four minutes.
“It was probably my best match without a doubt here in the tournament against the toughest player I’ve faced so far,” Nadal said in his on-court interview. “I was able to raise my level, so I’m very happy for that.” I wish Lorenzo all the best for the rest of the season.”
The show was in contrast to Nadal’s first two matches in the tournaments, as he struggled to find his best level in four-set wins over the Francisco Cerondolo And the Ricardas Beranques. However, against Sonego, the world number 4 seed showed his title rivals it meant work in his quest for a record 23 Grand Slam.
Nadal has arrived in London – looking to grab third place Wimbledon The Crown – having won his first two majors of the season for the first time in his career. The world number four, who is 33-3 this season now, plays the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp In the last rematch Roland Garros Struggle as he looks to continue his unbeaten record at the 2022 Four Slams.
“I feel very lucky to still be able to play at my age,” Nadal added. “I didn’t think this would happen 10 years ago. So I just want to thank everyone for supporting me.”
Nadal flew off the blocks against Sonego in his first encounter at ATP Head2Head, pulling the Italian from corner to corner with a heavy forehand. The Spaniard took the ball early off both wings to take time away from Sonego, firing 14 winners in the first two sets to gain complete control.
With his foot on the gas, Nadal continued the dictation in the third set, hitting a backhand for Sonego. With Nadal leading 4-2, the roof was closed due to fading light. When they came back, the Spaniard’s concentration dropped briefly, with Sonego back to level 4-4. However, all he did was shoot Nadal, as the second seed increased his depth on the return to bounce back immediately, before qualifying to advance to the fourth round at the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the 10th time.
Sonego, who beat Dennis Kudla And the Hugo Gaston Earlier this week, he was aiming to reach the round of 16 in Wimbledon For the second time, having enjoyed running to that stage in 2021.
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