By Canadian Press

Nadal reaches first final since 2022 French Open by beating Ajdukovic in Sweden

Jul 20, 2024 | 8:04 AM

BASTAD, Sweden (AP) — Rafael Nadal reached his first final since the 2022 French Open by rallying to beat Duje Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 Saturday at the clay-court Nordea Open.

After needing four hours to beat the 36th-ranked Mariano Navone in Friday’s quarterfinals, Nadal had a slow start against Ajdukovic and was a break down in the second set before turning things around.

“My opponent had one of the best backhands that I played against,” Nadal said. “It was very, very difficult, honestly, but I found a way to survive and be through to that final after a long time without being in a final. So that’s great news and I’m very happy with that.”

Nadal will play either Nuno Borges or Thiago Agustin Tirante in the final.

Nadal is playing at the tournament in Sweden for the first time since he won the title as a 19-year-old in 2005 as he prepares for the Olympic tournament on clay at Roland Garros in Paris.

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

1h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

8h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 12, 2024

Dec 12, 2024

The 38-year-old Nadal skipped Wimbledon as he didn’t want to switch surface to grass and then back to clay and risk injury. He has been dealing with hip and abdominal injuries over the past 1 1/2 years.

___

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

The Associated Press