Rafael Nadal through to second round of Italian Open after comeback win

Nadal’s quality prevailed thereafter and the 37-year-old Spaniard eased to victory in two hours and 54 minutes and  book a second-round meeting with Hubert Hurkacz.

COMEBACK: Rafael Nadal earned a three-set win over Zizou Bergs. Pic: Andrew Medichini/AP

Rafael Nadal battled back from a set down to qualify for the second round of the Italian Open with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 win over Zizou Bergs in Rome.

Nadal, looking to win the tournament for a record-extending 11th time but first since 2021, broke Bergs first but the 24-year-old Belgian qualifier hit back to claim the opening set and threaten an upset against the clay-court king.