Rafael Nadal, following a severe hip injury sustained at the Australian Open last year, faced the longest hiatus of his career, dropping out of the top 600 in the rankings.
However, the Spanish tennis legend has made a remarkable comeback, reaching the final in Bastad. This achievement is particularly significant as it marks his first title clash in over two years and comes just in time for his participation in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
Nadal’s performance in Bastad has also etched his name alongside tennis greats, becoming the third player in the Open era to reach an ATP semi-final 21 years after his first. He joins the exclusive club with Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
Connors holds the record with semi-final appearances spanning 22 seasons from 1971 to 1993, while Federer’s semi-final runs stretched from 1999 to 2020. Nadal played his first ATP semi-final in Umag 21 years ago, just weeks after his 17th birthday, and his latest semi-final in Bastad underscores his enduring competitiveness despite numerous injuries over the years.
Entering his sixth tournament of the year, Nadal opted to stay on clay, practicing in Mallorca and Greece before making his Bastad debut in 19 years. His first match in Bastad was a victory over Leo Borg, son of tennis legend Bjorn Borg, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. This win marked his first since his first-round loss at Roland Garros.
In Bastad, Nadal showcased impressive form, particularly in his match against Cameron Norrie, where he triumphed 6-4, 6-4, reaching the quarter-finals for the second time this year. Nadal’s journey in Bastad was not without challenges; he faced Mariano Navone in a marathon quarter-final match lasting nearly four hours, eventually winning 6-7, 7-5, 7-5. This grueling encounter was one of the longest three-set matches of his career.
Despite his significant efforts and a series of victories, Nadal eventually succumbed to Nuno Borges in the final. His run in Bastad, however, demonstrated his resilience and ability to compete at a high level, matching Federer’s record of longevity in the sport.
Nadal’s comeback is a testament to his determination and skill, solidifying his status as one of tennis’s enduring legends.
