Struggling in his first two rounds, Rafael Nadal did not flinch this time to reach the round of 16 by beating Lorenzo Sonego (ATP 54) in three sets, 6-1 6-2 6-4. For his part, Nick Kyrgios (40) dominated Stefanos Tsitsipas (5) 6-7 (2/7) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9/7) after an electric match.
We could expect to see Rafael Nadal suffer against the Italian, 8th runner-up last year at Church Road and winner of a grass title on the main circuit (Antalya 2019). It did not happen. The Spanish left-hander flew over the proceedings, winning 10 of the first 11 games of the match to win in just 2:03.
The double winner of Wimbledon (2008, 2010) had only a small scare, conceding his only break of the day in the 3rd set to let Lorenzo Sonego equalize at 4-4 when the roof had just been closed. But Rafa was able to tighten his guard to win the last two games of the match.
Kyrgios defeats Tsitsipas
The boiling Nick Kyrgios showed off all his talent to overcome Stefanos Tsitsipas. Discussions, insults, penalty point, public in fusion, and tennis of very high level: the Kyrgios show was at its maximum and he emerged victorious from this confrontation to find the American Brandon Nakashima (56th) in the round of 16.
Nick Kyrgios made the show against Stefanos Tsitsipas. [Dave Shopland – Imago ]
“It was a crazy match, in an extraordinary atmosphere. I’m super happy to have passed, it was a crazy match…“, commented the 27-year-old Australian after very briefly shaking hands with his opponent at the end of the game.
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