Nadal back in familiar finals territory

Rafael Nadal moved back into his comfort zone on Saturday as he reached his first final in more than two years with a fightback from a set and a break down to beat Croat qualifier Duje Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the ATP Bastad event.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion last played for a trophy at Roland Garros in 2022.

Nadal, who has been battling injury for much of this season, bounced back after going four hours in his Friday quarter-final victory.

The veteran Spaniard came to life in the semis after losing the opening set and dropping serve to start the second on the Swedish clay.

He then exploded into form with five breaks of his opponent’s serve to race into the finals in two and a quarter hours.

“It was a tough match, my opponent had one of the best backhands that I played against,” the winner said.

“I was trying to push him back. but It was very, very difficult. I found a way to survive and be through to that final after a long time without being in a final. 

“That’s great news and I’m very happy with that.”

Nadal had to catch himself as he let go of a double break in the final set but still posted the win. He broke on all six of his break point chances.

“It’s always a great feeling to be back in a final,” said Nadal. “I’ve won four matches in a row, something I was not able to make happen since two years ago. 

“A lot of things happened, but still in this process of recovering, a lot of things I lost, because I had a very important hip surgery almost one year ago.

“So things were not going that easy, but I am fighting. I am fighting during the whole tournament to be where I am today.

“Matches like yesterday’s, like today’s, help to improve a lot of things on court. I am happy with that, and let’s see if I am able to play a little bit better tomorrow.”Nadal back in familiar finals territory