Rafael Nadal claimed his eighth Rome title after edging out Alexander Zverev 6-1 1-6 6-3 in a rain-delayed final.
The Spaniard was looking for more history and made a very good start as he dominated the first set. Despite being broken in the first game, Nadal showed off his full artillery of shot making as he caught Zverev off guard especially at the net. The Spaniard used his backhand to create insane angles as he opened the court up comfortably and stormed past a frustrated Zverev. The seven time champion marched to the first set in 33 minutes as he looked set to claim his first Rome title since 2013.
However there was a plot twist in Nadal’s script to claim another title and that twist was that Zverev decided to storm back with venom and aggression especially in his forehands. The Spaniard was stunned as his level all of the sudden dropped dramatically as he made a lot of unforced errors. After holding serve in the sixth the game, the top seed surrendered the second set as the in-form German stormed to his chair with purpose after forcing a decider.
The final set saw the second seed unexpectedly continue his momentum in the final set as he broke Nadal in the first game to carry the early advantage. The 21 year old used his 13 match winning streak to his advantage as he played with a lot of confidence and variety in his game. There was no tiredness from the defending champion as he continued his pressure on the Spaniard.
Unfortunately for the German though, a 50 minute rain delay was about to occur just after Nadal had survived a tough service hold for 2-3. This would throw off the youngster and the physicality of the past 13 matches had told as he soon lost his energy and rhythm. On the other hand, the rain delay inspired the Spaniard as he returned with aggression as he put immense pressure on his German opponent. The Spaniard won four games in a row and a disguised drop shot secured his eighth Rome title.
Zverev and Rafa Draw Positives
Here are what the two players had to say after a very bizarre and brutal final:
Zverev: “First of all, I want to congratulate Rafa. Obviously you’re an amazing champion. You proved it again tonight. You’re the greatest clay court player of all time and I think everybody saw that today. To my team, we had an unbelievable winning streak. 13 (matches) in a row on clay. The title last week in Madrid was amazing. Getting to the final, I know it is very disappointing for me and I think of all of you to get so close here, but to lost at the end. But we lost to Rafa so I guess that’s somewhat ok.”
Nadal: “Congratulations to Alexander and your team. You are having a great year. It’s amazing that you have won so many matches in a row on this surface and being so young. Today the trophy is with me because if a few points (in my favour). It was a very difficult match.”
The win means that Nadal has won his eighth Rome title and reclaims his world number one spot after losing it in Madrid last week. As for Zverev he takes great momentum into Roland Garros having won two tournaments on the clay, with only Nadal beating him on the red dirt as he looks to finally beat a top 50 player at a slam.
