Is Rafael Nadal back? Destroys Cameron Norrie to seal Quarter-Final spot at Bastad Open

Rafael Nadal's challenge in the round of 16 of the Bastad Open 2024 was going to be very complicated. The Spaniard faced Cameron Norrie, number 5 seed of the tournament. With a very outstanding performance, Rafa knocked down one of the favorites 6-4, 6-4 after a great comeback in the second set.

In the first set, the match began with both players convincingly holding their respective service games. There were two breaks in the first 4 games, one for Nadal and one for Norrie. At 2-2, the Briton added a second game holding to make it 3-2, but Rafa continued to respond to make it 3-3.

In the next game, with Norrie on serve, would head towards the first break points of the match. Nadal was 15-40, and had two opportunities to get ahead on the scoreboard. Although Norrie would save both points, Rafa would have a third break point with advantage with which he would break his opponent's serve. 3-4 for the Spaniard, who now had the obligation to confirm the break.

Nadal was not going to achieve it in a better way, as he confirmed the break with a hold that put him 3-5 up, one to take the set. However, it was going to be difficult. After Norrie put the 4-5, the British was ahead 0-30 with Rafa serving to win the set. Norrie would have two break points to tie the match, but Nadal was going to claw and turn it around, and the second set point to take it 4-6.

In the second set, Rafael Nadal started having a break point advantage on Cameron Norrie's serve. Still, the Briton managed to save the initial threat and put the 1-0 on the scoreboard. The first warning for Nadal came with 2-1 for Norrie on the scoreboard, which was 15-30 on Rafa's serve. With another point, the British got the 15-40 to enjoy two consecutive break points. In the second, Norrie got his first break.

With 3-1 up for Norrie and serving, the situation was complicated for the Spaniard. In the next game he would have a break ball to save the disadvantage, but Nadal would not be able to materialize it. 4-1 for Norrie. Even so, Rafa's legendary resilience was to make an appearance after winning his next service game. After the 4-2, Nadal would get a hold to have the chance to return the tie to the score of the set.

With another hold, now with his serve, Nadal confirmed the break placing the 4-4 on the electronic. Rafa was shining on the court, and was going to achieve another break that could be definitive. From 4-1 down he had gone to 4-5 and serving to win the match. The Spaniard was not going to fail, and closed the second set with another 4-6 that put him in the quarterfinals of the Bastad Open. Bravo once again, Rafa.