Rafael Nadal was keen to emphasise the importance of playing in the present as he discussed beginning his quest for a record eighth Internazionali BNL d’Italia title this week. The seven-time champion, who lost on clay last week in Madrid for the first time since 2017 Rome, is bidding to win his first title at the Foro Italico in five years. “Every tournament is very important in itself. And for me, even more. Because I have a great story at all these events. I won here seven times. And, for me, it's always very special to play here in this tournament,” said Nadal. The Spaniard enters Rome after his 21-match and 50-set winning streaks on clay were ended by Dominic...
Sometimes, it’s not easy to look on the bright side of a straight-sets defeat. But that is what Swiss Stan Wawrinka did after his opening-round loss against American Steve Johnson at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Sunday in his first match since February at Marseille. The 33-year-old says he only started practising fully 12 days ago, after all. “Disappointed with the result, that's for sure. Would have loved to win,” Wawrinka said. “[But] if I really look where I am right now, I'm really happy. I think, in general, my level is really high, it’s better than what I expected.... I'm happy with the level I have in practice. I'm happy with physically where I am right now. I feel...
It was a magical performance in the Magic Box. No breaks surrendered, no sets relinquished. Alexander Zverev did not just win his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown on Sunday. The German dominated the Mutua Madrid Open from start to finish, streaking to victory with a stunning display of aggression. Zverev overcame Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to claim victory in Madrid for the first time. He secured the title with ruthless aplomb, notching his third different Masters 1000 trophy. The 21-year-old becomes the fifth active player with a trio of titles at the elite level, joining Rafael Nadal (31), Novak Djokovic (30), Roger Federer (27) and Andy Murray (14). "All in all, I'm just really happy with...
Steve Johnson recorded his sixth win in seven matches on clay this season, defeating 2008 finalist Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The Houston champion (d. Sandgren) took 81 minutes to overcome Wawrinka, winning 76 per cent of first-service points and converting both of his break-point chances to advance to the second round. Wawrinka was appearing on the ATP World Tour for the first time since retiring from his second-round match against Ilya Ivashka at the Open 13 Provence in February. "If I really look at where I am right now, I'm really happy," said Wawrinka. "I think, in general, my level is really high, it is better than what I expected. "[I started playing] tennis only...
Alexander Zverev concluded an impressive week with a nearly flawless performance in the Mutua Madrid Open final to defeat Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-4 and earn his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title. The 21-year-old star showed why he was able to break out on the ATP World Tour last season and claim five trophies, dominating his service games to deny Thiem his maiden victory at the elite level. Zverev is now one of five active players to capture three or more titles on the prestigious stage, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The German earned his ninth consecutive match win, and he has prevailed in his past 18 sets since losing the opening set against...
