Wimbledon update: Rafael Nadal survives a scare, and Nick Kyrgios wins a tough battle
No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal won against Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in the opening round of the Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England, on June 28
28th June 2022, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England; Wimbledon Tennis tournament; Rafael Nadal plays a forehand to Francisco Cerundolo in the mens singlesRafael Nadal kicked off the campaign for his 23rd Grand Slam title with a narrow victory. Francisco Cerundolo recently reached the semifinal at the Miami ATP Masters 1000 event, which helped him jump 52 places on the Pepperstone ATP Rankings from World No. 103 to World No. 51.
Rafael Nadal played on a grass court for the first time since 2019. The Spaniard made a great start and fired 13 winners to clinch the first two sets. However, World No. 41 Francisco Cerundolo pulled a reversal to win the third set 3-6. The 23-year-old Argentine then broke Rafael Nadal again in the first set.
Rafael Nadal showed persistence and increased his depth to pull a reversal from 2-4 to win four consecutive games to secure his victory. The victory improved the record of World No. 4 Rafael Nadal to 31-3 for the season.
In an on-court interview, Rafael Nadal said, "First of all, all the credit to Fran. I think he started to play great and was an adamant opponent. It is obvious that for me. It has been three years without being here, without playing on this fantastic surface, and so delighted to be back. For me, it is always amazing playing here on this court. I can not thank everyone enough for the support.
Rafael Nadal will face Ričardas Berankis of Lithuania in the second round of Wimbledon on June 29.
Nick Kyrgios clutch in thrilling five-set Wimbledon win
Nick Kyrgios won against Paul Jubb of the United Kingdom 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-7(3), 7-5 on June 28 to secure a second-round spot.
World No. 219 Paul Jubb gave an impressive challenge to Nick Kyrgios. He put forth an excellent display of perseverance and excellent shotmaking as the match grew tighter with every set. He took control of the game in the fourth set with his forehand, firing powerful forehands to send the half into a decider, troubling Nick Kyrgios.
Nick Kyrgios made excellent use of his ability to fire exceptional serve at crucial moments to keep the pressure off. He positioned himself for an important break with a perfect backhand shot at 3-2, and then Paul Jubb missed a backhand volley. He fired 67 winners and 30 aces and saved five of six break points he faced compared to five aces and two of 13 breakpoints saved by Paul Jubb to seal his victory after three hours and five minutes of play.
In an on-court interview, Nick Kyrgios said, "Just a typical first round here for me. I have played so many five-setters first round. It is an absolute rollercoaster. So just super pumped to be able to move through. Quickly could have gone the other way today. A couple of lucky shots here or there. He put himself in a position to win.
Nick Kyrgios will lock horns with Filip Krajinović of Serbia in the second round of Wimbledon. The Serbian advanced to the second round after beating Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-4, 6-7(5-7), 7-6(7-5), 6-4 in the opener.