Rafael Nadal overcame Francisco Cerundolo to book a berth in the second round of Wimbledon for the 14th time with a 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win.
It was a mini scare for Rafael Nadal fans as the Spanish ace endured a stern test from Francisco Cerundolo in Tuesday's first round of the Wimbledon 2022 tournament. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who is competing on grass for the first time since 2019, overcame the Argentine to book a berth in the second round of the Championship for the 14th time with a 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win.
The match lasted for three hours and 36 minutes and was played in front of a packed Centre Court crowd. The Spaniard survived a mid-match comeback from the Argentine, who was making his debut at The Championships.
Up and running at 2022 🇪🇸 overcomes a stern Centre Court test from Francisco Cerundolo pic.twitter.com/qt6b7t9bCF
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon)After winning the first two sets, the 36-year-old suddenly found himself a breakdown in the fourth set. However, with the pressure on, Nadal raised his intensity and increased his depth on return to regain control and improve to 31-4 on the season.
The second seed is seeking a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam crown, having won the first two majors of the year for the first time in his career. He will face Ricardas Berankis in the second round after the Lithuanian defeated Sam Querrey 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.
The most Grand Slam match wins in history:
369:
365:
328:
306:
306: | pic.twitter.com/93phEaCFu5
Following the win, Nadal said in an on-court interview that it is important to win the first match on the grass-court event. "The last 3 years I didn't put one foot on grass... Especially at the beginning of the tournament, and in the circumstances with which I arrived here, the victory is the most important thing. It gives me the chance to practice tomorrow & to have another match in 2 days."
"A very tough opponent," Nadal said of Cerundolo, who is, again, 1-2 on grass in his career. "It's obvious for me that it has been 3 years without playing on this amazing surface, so very happy to be back. For me it's always amazing to be playing on this court."
Fans, too, were overjoyed with Nadal's show as several fans took to Twitter to share their happiness. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
Rafael Nadal comes back from 1-3 down in the 4th set to beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 and reach the 2nd round at . pic.twitter.com/5fc47taRBQ
— José Morgado (@josemorgado)RAFA RETURNS 🔥 battles back and defeats Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 at 💪 pic.twitter.com/zCy29Qz7so
— ATP Tour (@atptour)Just beautiful 🙌
📹: | pic.twitter.com/PrVuzkIbjy
Tough start for Nadal
For his 1st match since 3 years at Wimbledon, Rafa has needed more than 3h30 to take down Francisco Cerundolo 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4 pic.twitter.com/8C941XLLnJ
Never ever count this legend out. Now it’s time for the Queen pic.twitter.com/DFLSgHwCds
— jabama08 (@jabama08)RAFAEL NADAL THE MAN YOU ARE pic.twitter.com/aCL2MHdRYr
— Tanmay (@franchiseford)
For a little while there Francisco Cerundolo was causing serious issues, up a break in the 4th set & nearly up a double break.
Bur Rafael Nadal turns it on just in time to win this in four sets.
Think that reaction sums it up. A winning return to the Centre Court. pic.twitter.com/qhIEGaMIDA
VAMOS RAFA 🔥 battles past Cerundolo in a tough four-setter! Faces Berankis next for a spot in the Third Round. pic.twitter.com/kKvcT0sfqr
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel)Rafa nadal beats Francisco cerundolo 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4 in the 1st round of Wimbledon ( Getty ) pic.twitter.com/50N94B9lkZ
— Phil (@tennis_phil)Rafael Nadal is here to STAY 👇🏻🐐 pic.twitter.com/MNXB8APUz6
— carlos (@tsitsichard)