Thanks to all
Thank you all for joining us in this intense duel with an exciting ending, it has been a pleasure to be with all of you, see you all again!
Comeback and Kurkacz to the rescue
From less to more Rafa Nadal today to advance to the second round. For the first time in this 2024 he manages to come back in a match. The Spaniard left the mistakes and was very aggressive to take the victory. In the next round will be measured and against a top seed, the Polish Kurkacz, who is already the ninth in the world and already knows what it is to win a title in this 2024.
This is how Rafa Nadal closed the match
The journey continues 👌@RafaelNadal’s returns to Rome with a win, digging deep to defeat Bergs 4-6 6-3 6-4!#IBI24 pic.twitter.com/V09SYMYjbh — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 9, 2024
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) Bergs
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Rafael Nadal wins the match playing with sufficiency in his serve and left him no options to complicate. Rafa wins 4-6, 6-3 and 6-4. and is in the second round of the Rome Masters.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 5-4) Bergs
Bergs took advantage of his serve and did his homework, he gave Rafa no chance when he had won a point and now makes the set 5-4. Nadal serves to win the match.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 5-3) Bergs
Game for Rafa Nadal. The Spaniard recovered to a 30-0 and managed to move Bergs to make it impossible to get three breaks up again. He keeps his serve, although he can easily look for a break to end the match.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 4-3) Bergs
Game for Bergs, who took advantage of his serve to not give Rafa many opportunities to play his game.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 4-2) Bergs
Great game by Rafa Nadal! The Spaniard came back from a 40-0 that he generated with unforced errors. The bronga of Bergs is very much seeing the number of options he had to break that he could not take advantage of.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 3-2) Bergs
Zizou Bergs gets out of an awkward situation and holds serve in this game.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 3-1) Bergs
40-40. Nadal has had a break ball, but Bergs has avoided it. The Belgian is in trouble and a double break would be a little difficult to fix it.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 3-1) Bergs
Rafa confirms the break. Good game of the Spaniard, who takes confidence with the service. Only the tape has prevented this game will not end in white
Unbelievable about Rafa
He went to the ground and managed to end up winning the point.
Rafael Nadal won this point 😱#IBI24 pic.twitter.com/3s6FdgXoXd
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 9, 2024
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 2-1) Bergs
BREAK!!! Just like in the previous set. Quick break to take the lead. Although there is still a long way to go. The Spaniard dominates from the baseline. The comeback is getting closer and closer.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 1-1) Bergs
30-40. Break ball for Rafa Nadal. If he takes advantage of it, he gets ahead on the scoreboard.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 1-1) Bergs
Although it costs Nadal with the service to win points quickly. He manages to close the first game after a drop shot, Bergs arrived, but left him way for the Spaniard to get a good volley.
3º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3, 0-1) Bergs
Bergs started well in the third set, but from a 40-0 lead it was 40-30. He finally pulled out a parallel to take the first set of the third set.
Watch out for this fact
Since he has returned to the courts this 2024, he has not been able to come back in any match. He has not been able to come back in any match. Will he do it today?
WITH RABIES
Rafa Nadal celebrated the victory in the second set, which forces to go to the third set.
Can't stop, won't stop ⚡️@RafaelNadal levels the score vs Bergs, taking the second set 6-3!
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 9, 2024
#IBI24 pic.twitter.com/vSFVKFvuuO
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 6-3) Bergs
SET! With serve and forehand Rafa Nadal takes the second set. The match will be decided in the final third set.
With Rafa problems with the service in this final stretch of the second set, something that will have to improve if you want to have options in the match.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 5-3) Bergs
40-40. Rafa Nadal avoids a break ball. That would have made things very difficult. He is two points away from closing the second set
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 5-3) Bergs
Rafa Nadal has the option to close the second set on serve.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 5-3) Bergs
Despite Rafa's return winner, Bergs closed out the game with a return winner.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 5-2) Bergs
Again Rafa comes out on top in a game where Berg started with 0-30 to the rest. The Spaniard reacted, who is only one game away from forcing the third set in this match.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 4-2) Bergs
0-30. Nadal starts the game again with problems in the service.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 4-2) Bergs
Bergs direct serve, the third of this match to close this game. Now it's Rafa Nadal's turn to serve
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 4-1) Bergs
Rafa Nadal is saved. Compromising situation of the Spanish tennis player who avoids the break. After a good serve Bergs sent the ball out. Two games to force the final third set the Spaniard
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 3-1) Bergs
40-40. Rafa saved the break. The Belgian tennis player's shot went out. Nadal celebrates with euphoria. He has to get out of this tight situation
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 3-1) Bergs
40-A. Rafa had a 40-15 to close. He sent the ball with his forehand to the doubles hallway and attention that now has the option to get the break the Belgian tennis player.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 3-1) Bergs
Zizoue Bergs adds her first game in this second set.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 3-0) Bergs
RAFA NADAL IS ANOTHER. Much more aggressive in this second set. As in the first set, he closes it in white. The Spanish tennis player confirms the break and leads the second set.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 2-0) Bergs
BREAK! Berg saved the first with a good forehand. However, he made an error, double fault and Rafa Nadal opens advantage at the start of the second set.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 1-0) Bergs
15-40. Two break balls for Rafa Nadal. The Spaniard has started squeezing the rest from the first moment in this second set.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 1-0) Bergs
The game is resumed after the break. Rafa wins the first game of the set and makes it in white. After a break of ten minutes
The meeting is still at a standstill
Bergs has decided to sit down, while Rafa Nadal remains standing waiting for the resumption of the match.
2º Set Nadal (4-6, 0-0) Bergs
The match has been stopped because a fan is being treated. It seems that he has suffered a heat stroke
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This is how Zizou Bergs closed the first round.
Not in the script ✍️
Zizou Bergs takes the opener 6-4 vs Nadal in Rome!#IBI24 pic.twitter.com/o3zAVPKnJ3 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 9, 2024
1º Set Nadal (4-6) Bergs
SET! He takes his first set ball Bergs and finishes off the net to take the first set, closing the game in white.
Rafa Nadal will have to row a lot if he wants to turn the scoreboard.
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1º Set Nadal (4-5) Bergs
40-0. Unstoppable the Belgian tennis player. Three balls to close the first set
1º Set Nadal (4-5) Bergs
BREAK! What a mistake by Nadal. He saved the first one. In the second one he double faults. Attention because now Zizou Bergs will serve to close the first set.
1º Set Nadal (4-4) Bergs
0-40. Rafa in trouble. Three break balls for the opponent.
1º Set Nadal (4-4) Bergs
Bergs continues to serve comfortably and we are entering the decisive moments of the first set.
1º Set Nadal (4-3) Bergs
Rafa wins again, who clenches his fists and is encouraged. First the lob of Bergs went long after the rise of the former world number 1 and after a good serve of Rafa Nadal, Zizou returned it to the net.
1º Set Nadal (3-3) Bergs
Tight serves from the Belgian tennis player, who is also daring to go up to the net and is managing to equalize the match. The first set is at 3-3 on the scoreboard.
1º Set Nadal (3-2) Bergs
BREAK! Finally the Belgian gets the break, after Rafa's forehand touches the net and doesn't go in. Bergs will serve to place the tie at three. Nadal has to keep on rowing in this first set.
1º Set Nadal (3-1) Bergs
40-40. Rafa saves it. The Belgian tennis player's ball goes to the net.
1º Set Nadal (3-1) Bergs
30-40. The Belgian has reacted and the Belgian wants the counter break.
1º Set Nadal (3-1) Bergs
BREAK! It could not be in the first two. The Belgian saved the first one after a good drop shot where he was lucky with the net. Then Rafa sent it to the doubles corridor. Although he manages to get ahead on the scoreboard, after Zizou in the exchange left the ball in the net. Rafa is already ahead in the first set.
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1º Set Nadal (2-1) Bergs
0-40. Good rest of Rafa after the rise of Bergs. He touched the Belgian, but sent it to the net. Three break balls for the Spaniard.
So Rafa Nadal went out to the center court
No place like Rome 🇮🇹🔥
10-time champion @rafaelnadal makes a record 19th appearance at the Foro Italico!
Watch Rafa’s Rome return vs Bergs LIVE —> https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX pic.twitter.com/h8uSNU5ujW — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 9, 2024
1º Set Nadal (2-1) Bergs
First problems for Rafa, as the Belgian tightened and came to place the equal to 30. The Mallorcan with two good serves takes the game ahead. With the 40-30, the rest of Bergs stayed in the net.
1º Set Nadal (1-1) Bergs
Bergs also starts adding. Despite the start of 30-0 was complicated after a double fault. Although he ended up responding with an ace.
1º Set Nadal (1-0) Bergs
Good start for Rafa. Solid with the service to get ahead on the scoreboard. Only one point with the rest of the Belgian
Rafa Nadal starts serving
To the rest, Bergs starts
ALL READY
The two players are already on center court. The match will start in no time
Match Referee
The match will be refereed by 57-year-old Swedish referee Mohamed Lahyani.
Center court final
The Czech tennis player Noskova has won in two sets by 6-3 and 7-6 has qualified in the round of 32 of the Masters 1000 in Rome. Rafa Nadal and Bergs will next take to the court
Rafa ready for his debut
The Balearic tennis player has made a previous training before his debut at the Masters 1000 in Rome.
Not long now ⚡️@RafaelNadal #IBI24 pic.twitter.com/uP8DzwCEre
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 9, 2024
Right now in the center court a match of the women's draw
It is being disputed by the Czech Noskova against the Italian Stefanini. The first match was won by Noskova and in the second one there is maximum equality. When this match is over, the Rafa Nadal vs. Zizou Bergs match will be played.
Rafa with a good feeling in Rome
This is what the Spanish tennis player said at the press conference prior to his debut at the Rome Masters 1000. "I'm excited to play here, where I keep unforgettable moments. It's my third tournament in a row and that's good news. I have to keep watching day by day, but I'm happy with how I feel," said the former world No. 1.
"My evolution is not every day the same. Even after Barcelona, I had some difficult moments in Madrid. Even here on the first day. But in an overall perspective, the line is upward, no doubt. So yes, happy to be today where I am because a month ago for me it was almost impossible to think that I could play in Barcelona, then in Madrid, and now to be here in Rome," Rafa said of his sensations.
Zizou Bergs' last five games
Zizou Bergs 2-0 Shang | Rome Masters 1000 Qualifying Phase: May 7, 2024
Zizou Bergs 2-1 Kypson | Rome Masters 1000 Qualifying Phase: May 6, 2024
Zizou Bergs 1-2 Van Assche | Madrid Masters 1000: April 24, 2024
Zizou Bergs 2-0 Krueger | Tallahassee Challenger: April 21, 2024
Zizou Bergs 1-1 (RET) Hemery | Tallahassee Challenger: April 20, 2024
Rafa Nadal's last five games
Rafa Nadal 0-2 Lehecka | Madrid Masters 1000: April 30, 2024
Rafa Nadal 2-1 Pedro Cachin | Madrid Masters 1000: April 29, 2024
Rafa Nadal 2-0 Alex de Minaur | Madrid Masters 1000: April 27, 2024
Rafa Nadal 2-0 Darwin Blanch| Madrid Masters 1000: April 25, 2024
Rafa Nadal 0-2 Alex de Minaur | ATP Barcelona: April 17, 2024
His third time in a Masters 1000 main draw
Zizou Bergs will play in a main draw at Masters 1000 for the third time in his career. The three have been between last year and this although in both he fell in his first game. It was in Miami 2023 and in the recent tournament at the Mutua Madrid Open
Participation number 19 and will it be the last?
The 37-year-old Mallorcan tennis player already said that this was going to be his last year as a professional tennis player. In Madrid he said goodbye and received a nice tribute. This Wednesday Rafa starts his 19th participation in Rome and everything indicates that it will be the last
Return to Rome
Rafa Nadal, who was not there last year where he missed practically the entire 2023 calendar, is now back in Rome where he has reaped so much joy
We came back
In a few minutes the match between Rafa Nadal and Zizou Bergs will begin, both the preview and the minute by minute of the match can be followed here on VAVEL
Stay tuned to follow Rafa Nadal vs Zizou Bergs
In a few moments we will share with you the starting lineups for the Rafa Nadal vs Zizou Bergs match as well as the latest information from the Rome Masters 1000. Stay tuned for live online coverage of the match on VAVEL.
How to watch Rafa Nadal vs Zizou Bergs?
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What time is Rafa Nadal vs Zizou Bergs?
This is the kickoff time in several countries:
Argentina: 6:00 AM
Bolivia: 5:00 AM
Brazil: 6:00 AM
Chile: 5:00 AM
Colombia: 4:00 AM
Ecuador: 4:00 AM
USA (ET): 8:00 AM
Spain: 1:00 PM
Mexico: 5:00 AM
Paraguay: 7:00 AM
Peru: 7:00 AM
Uruguay: 8:00 AM
Venezuela: 7:00 AM
England: 12:00 AM
Australia : 21:00 AM
India: 16:30 AM
Injuries at the Rome Masters 1000
Many casualties in the tournament due to injuries. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will not be able to participate in the tournament after arriving injured from Madrid. While Daniil Medvedev is second seeded and arrives in cotton wool after withdrawing from the capital of Spain.
Novak Djokovic, who after missing the Masters 1000 in Madrid;
Arrives from the qualifying round and looking forward to beating a historical player
Zizou Bergs is the world number 108 at the age of 24. His record this 2024 in ATP main draw is three wins and four losses.
At the Australian Open he was able to win a set against Tsitsipas, but ended up losing in four sets. In Rotterdam he got through the qualifying round, but in the first round he ran into Rublev. Before that he played with Belgium in the Davis Cup. He was semifinalist of the Lugano Challenger, while in Mami he lost in the qualifying round. After winning the Tallahassee Challenger on clay, he played in Madrid where he was eliminated in the first round.
In Rome he passed the qualifying round where he defeated first the American Kypson and shortly after the young Chinese player Shang.
Continues to tune up for Roland Garros
The 37-year-old tennis player from Manacor is currently ranked number 305 in the world and his balance in this 2024 is six wins and three defeats.
He started the year playing in January at the ATP Brisbane after a year away from the court where he was defeated in the quarterfinals against Jordan Thompson and ended with discomfort.
Now comes the tour where he has more hopes and it is clay where he wants to arrive in a great moment to Roland Garros and the games. In Barcelona he returned after a long break where he defeated Cobolli in the first round, while in the second round he was beaten by Alex de Miñaur, who is number 11 in the world. While in Madrid Masters 1000 despite his doubts about his physical condition in his first match he overwhelmed 16 year old Darwin Blanch, who could only win one game in the whole match. He got his revenge on Australian Miñaur in the second round. He dropped his first set in the round of 32 against Pedro Cachin, after sweeping the first set. He lost the second in the tie-break and ended up closing the match in the third set. Finally he lost in the round of 16 against Lehecka in two sets.
With little rest he returns to Rome, his last stop before Roland Garros where the king and will seek to say goodbye in the best way. The sensations are positive and he will play his third tournament in a row, after Barcelona and Madrid.
Background
This will be the first time in history that Rafa Nadal and Zizou Bergs will face each other. They will do so in the opening match of the Rome Masters 1000.
The Stadium
The match will be played on the center court of the Rome Masters 1000 tournament, called Pietrogeli del Foro Italico, which was inaugurated in 1937 and has a capacity for 12500 spectators.
Preview of the match
Rafa Nadal and Zizou Bergs will meet this Thursday, May 9, 2024 in the first round of the Masters 1000 in Rome.
Welcome to VAVEL.COM's LIVE coverage of Rafa Nadal vs Zizou Bergs at Rome Masters 1000
My name is Manuel Carmona Hidalgo and I will be your antifrion for this match. We will offer you the pre-match analysis and news here live on VAVEL.