Nadal, comeback in Rome, in the first round! Seriously tormented by Bergs, Rafa wrote history at the Foro Italico

Rafael Nadal, winner of 10 trophies in Rome, qualified for the second round of the Masters tournament in the Italian capital on Thursday after defeating Zizou Bergs (108 ATP) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the end of a match that lasted two hours and 46 minutes of play. This was the first head-to-head meeting between Nadal and Bergs. Nadal claimed his 70th career victory in Rome.

Thanks to today’s match with Bergs, Rafael Nadal ticked off a unique record in history. The Spanish super-champion made today his 19th appearance in the tournament at the Foro Italico, an absolute record. Nadal is followed in this statistic by Wawrinka, with 18, by Djokovic and Federer, each with 17, and Fognini, with 16.

After a first set in which he committed no less than 16 unforced errors, Rafael Nadal raised his level of play, forced by Bergs, who played well above his usual level. Undeterred by the occasion, Bergs made Nadal suffer but failed to cross the finish line. As usual, the Spaniard came back, showing an amazing fighting spirit.

For Nadal, a new very difficult duel follows, with the number 7 favorite, Hubert Hurkacz. The Pole benefited from a free first round in Rome, and a month ago won his first title on clay, in Estoril, defeating Pedro Martinez (51 ATP) in the final.