"Last year was a joke" says Rafael Nadal on facing Denis Shapovalov

| by Sebastian Dahlman

Rafael Nadal will play against Denis Shapovalov in the third round of the 2022 Italian Open in Rome after defeating John Isner.

Rome is a traditional meeting point of Rafael Nadal and Denis Shapovalov as they meet already third time in 5 years at the Italian Open. First time they met, it was a comfortable 6-4, 6-1 victory for the Spaniard who was the first-seeded at the event and also lifted the trophy that year.

Las year, the young Canadian led 6-3, 3-0 and also had 2 matchpoints later in the match as he failed to push through. 21-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal, remembers the match, as he also spoke about it in an interview.

"I finished better than how I started, without a doubt. The beginning of the match was not good for me. He had some chances on the return and had two break points. [He had] two not difficult balls so I was in his hands at that moment."

"I was lucky that he missed those shots and then I was able to break. Then the match changed, of course. With the first set on the board, and having the break in the first game of the second [set], everything changed.”

"Stop comparing Carlos Alcaraz to me" asks Rafael Nadal
"Stop comparing Carlos Alcaraz to me" asks Rafael Nadal

“I just focussed on myself. I focussed on trying to keep going. I knew I had to do things better than I had done, and I need to practise to try and do it better and better.”

“Last year was a joke, the match that I saved here against him. [I was] super lucky. I know how dangerous he is, I need to play well, of course. I need to play better than today, but after a while without being on court it is another victory and I have the chance again to play against one of the best players in the world."

"I need to build things again after a tough stoppage and that’s what I am trying now. I just need to stay with the right attitude, and let’s see if I am able to make that happen.”

"I didn't bite the trophy because of Rafael Nadal" admits Carlos Alcaraz
"I didn't bite the trophy because of Rafael Nadal" admits Carlos Alcaraz

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