Rafa dazzled by Wimbledon sun in first round win

Thursday, 30 June 2022 01:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Rafael Nadal

LONDON (Reuters): Rafael Nadal blamed sunshine for making his first round at Wimbledon a little more challenging on Tuesday.

It was an unlikely comment from a man raised on the sun-kissed island of Majorca and competing in a city hardly renowned for its weather.

But he did also credit his athletic opponent Francisco Cerundolo with playing his part in stretching an absorbing contest to four sets.

“I was more or less under control with two sets and one break up. But then the sun was crazy there,” Nadal said.

“For a righty probably, it is not a problem, but for a lefty where the sun is... I was losing the ball completely.” Nadal, seeking a third Grand Slam title in a row, was not unhappy with the way he played despite a series of unforced errors. It was his first competitive outing on the Wimbledon grass for three years and he won 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4.

“Today was a victory. I spent a long time on court. I really hope that will help,” he said.