Rafael Nadal reaches Bastad Open final after great comeback against Duje Ajdukovic

Ajdukovic surprises Nadal in the first set

In the first set, Nadal started in the worst possible way, with a break that put Ajdukovic 0-1 up on the scoreboard. The Croat then confirmed the break to make it 0-2. The problems would mount for Rafa with another break, although this time he did not allow Ajdukovic to confirm it, and the score was 1-3. Nadal returned to the set and certified the break to make it 2-3, hoping for a comeback.

Unfortunately for Nadal, Ajdukovic would remain very steadfast with all the service games he had left to win the first set. In fact, Rafa could not break a ball until the end, when the Croat served at 4-5 to win the first set, which he had to do with a very strong game. 4-6 and Nadal had to come back if he wanted to reach the final.

Rafa Nadal revives in the second set

In the second set, Rafa Nadal had to strike as soon as possible. However, Duje Ajdukovic played at a very high level and started this set by breaking the Spaniard’s service again. However, Rafa would react quickly and this time not let the Croat start with 0-2, which resulted in another break on the scoreboard. In the following games, Nadal was more solid with his service and won blanks twice in a row to 3-2.

At this point, Rafa’s axe would come, as was expected. Nadal broke Ajdukovic’s serve to take a 4-2 lead and turn the second set in his favor by confirming the break at 5-2. Eventually, the Spaniard managed to bring the tie back to the overall score of sets by winning the second set 6-3.

Nadal produces a crazy third set

In the third set Nadal started very strong by breaking Ajdukovic’s serve after he had gotten 15-40 with two break balls. Rafa wanted to take advantage of his good moment on the court, and after confirming the break and making it 2-0, he achieved another break that weakened the Croat and a lot. 3-0.

Nadal would however face two break balls that would bring his rival back to life. Ajdukovic was 3-1 up, and in the blink of an eye it was 3-3 again after another consecutive break that caught Rafa off guard. Back to parity.

However, Nadal would not go down despite missing that 3-0, and returned to break the Croatian’s serve to reach 4-3. Now he had to confirm the break. Here Nadal would again face two break balls, but the Spaniard saved them to make it 5-3 and set himself on his way to victory, which would close the third set 6-4.