Wimbledon News: Rafael Nadal beats Ricardas Berankis to advance to round 3

 

Rafael Nadal bounced back from a mid-match relapse to win to emerge victorious against Ricardas Berankis in a four-set long thriller. The two-time champion was troubled by his World No. 106 ranked Latvian opponent in the third set as he aims to win his third Grand Slam.

Rafael Nadal started strong and dominated the first two sets to take control of the match. However, Ricardas Berankis punched back to win the third set, but there is a difference between beating the Spanish legend in one set and dominating him in a match. Rafael Nadal regained control of the games as Ricardas Berankis faltered during the first service game of the fourth set, allowing the Spaniard to race to a 3-0 lead. 

The rain started pouring, and the players were forced to go off the court for around an hour while the roof of the court was closed. Rafael Nadal fired 12 aces in the final game to win the fourth set 6-3, securing his victory. Ricardas Berankis gave a tough challenge and raised his level to provide excellent performance against the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

In an on-court interview, Rafael Nadal said, "Every day is a challenge. That's the truth. All the opponents are difficult. We are playing against the best players in the world. Especially even in these conditions, it will be more difficult. I didn't play much on grass for the past three years. Every day is an opportunity to improve. Today I am through, which gives me the chance to keep going. I am pleased about that.

Rafael Nadal will face No. 29 seed Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in the third round of Wimbledon on July 2. Lorenzo Sonego advanced to the third round after beating Hugo Gaston of France 7-6(7-4), 6-4, 6-4.

It will be the first match between Lorenzo Sonego and Rafael Nadal. The Italian has successfully advanced to all three Grand Slams of the season. He holds a 3-13 record while facing the Top ten players.

Rafael Nadal is closer to Novak Djokovic on grass than on hardcourt - Francisco Roig

Retired Spanish player and tennis expert Francisco Roig believes that the game of Rafael Nadal is more suitable to beat the long-term rival Novak Djokovic on the grass-court rather than on a hard court.

While talking about his fellow Spaniard, Francisco Rig said, "He had a few years in which he didn't play well on grass, but if he's doing well, there are fewer rivals who can beat him on grass than on hard courts. In that same way, I think he is closer to Djokovic on this surface than on fast. He's difficult on both surfaces, but considering that he is the favourite at Wimbledon, there are more chances to beat him here.

In the court 1 match, Alex de Minaur of Australia dominated Jack Draper to set up a third-round clash against home hope Liam Broady.