Watch: Rafael Nadal hits the practice court immediately after 2R win at the Italian Open
Rafael Nadal's work ethic has been one of the key factors behind his immense success over the years. The Grand Slam title record holder once again showed his willingness to keep improving as he took to the practice courts minutes after winning his second-round match at the 2022 Italian Open on Wednesday.
The 10-time Italian Open champion was on song against big-serving American John Isner in his round-of-32 encounter in Rome, winning 6-3, 6-1. However, he still felt that there were some aspects of his game that needed fine-tuning, and Nadal decided to work on those soon after the match.
Within minutes of wrapping up his match against Isner, Rafael Nadal is already back on the practice court (alongside Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul, who are locked in an intense first set battle). https://t.co/jZCI6k1gtQ
In a video doing the rounds on social media, Nadal can be seen practicing on the far side next to Court 1 where Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul were locked in battle. The left-handed maestro was seen ripping a couple of forehands.
#Nadal ended his after match practice
#IBI22 https://t.co/BuAo8JrNMq
The Spaniard has been short on match practice during the claycourt season, which is possibly why he decided to spend some extra time on the practice court.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion was out of action for almost six weeks after picking up a rib fracture during his Indian Wells campaign. He missed two of his favorite and most successful tournaments - Monte-Carlo and Barcelona - which are important in the build-up to the French Open.
Nadal made a comeback in Madrid, where he lost in the quarterfinals to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.
"Tomorrow again is a chance again to play against one of the best players in the world" - Rafael Nadal ahead of his 3R match against Denis Shapovalov in Rome
Nadal looked comfortable in his second-round match against Isner in favorable conditions in Rome. While Isner is a much more lethal player on faster surfaces, his serve is still difficult to counter even on the slower clay. The Spaniard will take a lot of heart from the fact that he broke Isner's huge serve four times in the match.
The 35-year-old will face Denis Shapovalov in the third round on Thursday. The Spaniard came through an intense three-set battle against the Canadian in the same tournament last year.
Once is rare, twice is unheard of...
@RafaelNadal has still never lost consecutive clay court matches in his career 😳
@InteBNLdItalia #IBI22 https://t.co/4OS5bY0A7j
After his win against Isner, the Spaniard said he is still looking for his best tennis post the layoff. However, the experienced campaigner said he is happy to take things as they come, as he aims to be fully prepared for Roland Garros.
"After a while without being on court, it's another victory, and now tomorrow again is a chance again to play against one of the best players in the world, another good test, let's see, I need to build again after a tough stop and that's what I'm trying to stay with the right attitude and let's see if I'm able to make that happen," Nadal said.