“Rafa, Rafa, Rafa,” shouted the Foro Italico. And Rafa (Nadal) reciprocated, working on each point as if he were a kid who was just starting out. Because the Balearic Islands are not ready to be a cyclone due to age and injuries, but the hope still moves them. With that attitude and with a good dose of experience Nadal rose to come back against the surprising Belgian Zizou Bergs whom he beat 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in 2 hours and 53 minutes in his debut in Rome. In the second round, a bone awaits him this Saturday: the Polish Hubert Hurkacz, world number 9.
Nadal had said the day before that he was feeling better than he expected. After playing two games at Godó and four in Madrid he had gained confidence and his tennis and, above all, his legs had been gaining strength. He is not a logically superlative Nadal but he does enjoy himself and wants to evolve with a view to Roland Garros. He had the Belgian Bergs in front of him, unknown to the general public. 24 years old and 108th in the world, he is a tennis player like so many. Without a shiny past and coming from the previous phase. The start was adjusted to all these parameters. Nadal only needed to not fail to take the helm of the match. 3-1 and serve for the Balearic Islands. Palms in the Foro Italico and aroma of dressing function for a Nadal who has won ten times in Rome.
But, suddenly, the Manacor native began to fail incessantly, lost his serve and gave wings to the Belgian, who grew. From 3-1 it went to 4-6 for Bergs, as Nadal gave up his serve on a second occasion and with an inopportune double fault.
16 unforced errors in 47 minutes are too many, even for this more autumnal and earthy version of Nadal. The Spaniard had gotten into trouble and had been forced to make a comeback that once again tested his physique.
Of course he had a little respite when a spectator got dizzy in the stands. The match stopped for more than ten minutes and Nadal took the opportunity to breathe and vent with his coach, Carlos Moyà, who was telling him to let go of his arm. The Balearic listened to him while he muttered under his breath, visibly angry.
But those moments were very good for him, he began to move his rival, change his heights and minimize errors to the delight of the spectators, who cheered him on. He was already a more recognizable and effective Nadal while Bergs had difficulty interpreting the game. Even so, the Spaniard had to fight to take the second set ahead 6-3 after saving a couple of break points. In the final round he was more solid and pulled boards to save new break points. He fought and won.
