10-time Italian Open champion Rafael Nadal may have played his final match in Rome after losing to an inspired Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.
The big-serving Pole sealed a memorable 6-1, 6-3 victory that could mark the end of Nadal’s illustrious tournament career.
“I’m really, really proud of myself,” Hurkacz said when asked how he thought he handled the occasion. “Playing Rafa is something special. It’s just different, especially on clay, the surface he has just dominated for the last 20 years. Nobody will ever have a record like him on this surface.
“At the end of the day, he’s just bigger than the sport. So many people follow him and he’s inspired so many guys, so I’m just really happy to have had this experience today.”
Hurkacz survived a marathon opening game on serve, in which he saved five break points, before exerting his authority to claim victory in 93 minutes, for his first victory in the tournament since 2020.
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Nadal produced a touch of magic with this brilliant backhand to knock out Hurkacz…
After facing Zizou Bergs in three sets on Thursday, the 37-year-old Spaniard raised his level against Hurkacz, but it was not enough to stop the Pole, who saved all seven break points he faced in the game.
“It’s very special. We just had the opportunity to practice,” Hurkacz said. “Growing up, admiring him and seeing him win all these titles, obviously here and at Roland Garros, it was just a special experience.
“I wanted to play him so much, especially on clay, to be able to share the court with him, especially with the atmosphere at the start of the match, how much people really love him and support him. It’s hard to explain with words, but the general atmosphere around the start of the match was simply different.
Hurkacz will try to reach the fourth round in Rome for the first time when he plays Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The 25th seeded Argentine had beaten Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-3 7-5 to seal his place in the third round.
‘Love’
“Nadal seemed to trust his body a little more”
“It was (a bit too far for Nadal) but all the credit goes to Hurkacz today. He knew it wouldn’t be an easy draw today for Rafael Nadal with his experience on clay,” Naomi said Broady on Sky Sports Tennis.
“Hurkacz quietly continues to progress in these clay court tournaments.
“It certainly came down to Hurkacz’s racket with 23 winners with 10 aces.
“Nadal was moving around the court a lot better, didn’t seem as hesitant in his movements. He seemed to trust his body a little more but he was making way too many unforced errors when he got there.”
Tale of the gang
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Novak Djokovic saw the funny side of things when he showed up wearing a helmet at the Italian Open, after being accidentally hit on the head with a bottle following his match on Thursday.
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Watch Holger Rune provide a comprehensive tour of Rome’s facilities and courts
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