Rafael Nadal makes winning start in Rome over Isner

Rafael Nadal returned to Rome in order to defend his trophy from last year and he made a winning start against John Isner 6-3 6-1.

The Spaniard returned to tennis in Madrid playing a couple of solid matches as he works his way to peak condition ahead of the French Open. In Rome, he got to face John Isner for the 9th time in their career and he got his 8th win over the American. The match opened slowly for both players as both Nadal and Isner did not rush and patiently won their service games.

The American was showing solid movement for the slow court and at times surprised Nadal with some big winners. Nadal for the most part took some time to find his rhythm and after saving a couple of break points at 3-3, he cruised. He won his service game for 4-3, then finally broke Isner for the 5-3 ultimately finishing it off with 6-3.

The 2nd set featured improved play by Nadal who was now in rhythm and quite aware of how to attack his opponent. In the meantime, Isner also wore down a bit unable to track the ball as well as he did in the first set and that gave Nadal plenty of chances. The Spaniard ultimately finished it off with 6-1 in the 2nd set. A good win for the Spaniard to move on. Next up Denis Shapovalov.