Nadal overcomes slow start to accelerate into second round

Rafael Nadal stepped onto court at the Rome Masters for the first time in two years and produced an inspiring comeback over a Belgian challenger to move into the second round.

The 10-time champion at the Foro Italico overcame 108th-ranked qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, lifting his game in a contest lasting for just under three hours.

The end came on the first of two match points for the 36-year-old Spaniard, who converted on the first opportunity only moments before play around the Foro Italico was interrupted by rain.

The winner of 70 matches at the venue moved into a contest against seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz as he competes in Rome for the 19th time.

“It was not my best match, I practised much better than I played today,” Nadal said.

“But I found a way to win and that is so important at the start of the tournament.”

Nadal, who won his 10th Rome title in 2021, last competed here in 2022, losing in the third round.

He is on the comeback trail after two years of intermittent injuries in what is expected to be his final season of a two-decade run.

“My game is more unpredictable than before,” he said. “It was up and down, in and out today.

“I can play much better and that is what I hope to do in the second round.

“It’s always emotional to play here in one of the most important tournaments of my career.

“I’m super-excited to play at least one more time here.”

Nadal struggled in the opening set despite an early break, losing 12 of the final 14 points and committing 16 unforced errors.

But his form improved after dropping the first set, breaking serve for 2-0 in the second before levelling at a set each.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion salvaged three break points to lead 4-2 in the third before setting up his match point with his third ace of the afternoon.

Nadal improved to 18-1 in Rome opening rounds, with his only loss coming in 2008 to compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero..