Nordea Open—Bastad, Sweden
Nadal Reaches Finals of Bastad Open; Defeats Ajdukovic
Wildcard Rafael Nadal reached the finals of the Nordea Open in Bastad, Sweden on Saturday, defeating Duje Ajdukovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
In topsy-turvy encounter that lasted two hours and 12 minutes, Nadal struck 21 winners, won 62 percent of his first serve points and broke the serve of his Croatian opponent on six occasions.
Playing in only his sixth tournament of his season, Nadal will aim to win his 93rd career title on Sunday against either No. 7 seed Nuno Borges or Thiago Agustin Tirante. The Spaniard will also be playing in his 131st career final.
Nadal, who has been injured for the better part of two seasons, is also entered in next week’s Olympic Games in Paris, France. He will compete in singles action but will also team up with Carlos Alcaraz on the doubles court.
The Mallorcan withdrew from his doubles semifinal with partner Casper Ruud later in the day in Bastad after spending over six hours on court in on Friday and Saturday.
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EFG Swiss Open Gstaad—Switzerland
Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini upset top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Swiss Open Gstaad on Saturday, winning the encounter 7-6(6), 7-5.
Slamming seven aces and winning 92 percent of his first serve points, Berrettini never faced a break point during the one hour and 43 minute contest.
Picking up his first win against Tsitsipas in four meetings, Berrettini will next face Quentin Halys in Sunday’s final.
Halys defeated No. 3 seed Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3. 7-6(2).
Berrettini will be aiming to win his ninth career title on Sunday, while Halys will be looking to capture first career crown.
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