ATP Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal eases past Lorenzo Sonego

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The 23-time Major champion Rafael Nadal is through to the fourth round at Wimbledon. Nadal took down Lorenzo Sonego 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in two hours and three minutes to secure his 56th triumph at the All England Club and his 17th consecutive victory at Majors in 2022. Nadal raised his level in comparison to the opening two encounters, dropping 18 points in his games and losing serve once in the third set. He grabbed six breaks from eight opportunities to control the scoreboard and seal the deal without spending too much time on the court. Rafa lost only two points behind his initial shot in the opening set, and his rival could not match that level. Sonego took only ten points, and Nadal dominated every segment for 6-1. The Spaniard delivered two comfortable holds at the start, and Lorenzo sprayed a backhand error in game four to find himself 3-1 down. Rafa held at 30 in game five to confirm the advantage and grabbed another break after the rival's double fault in the next one for 5-1. Nadal served for the opener in game seven and held at love to open a 6-1 lead in 27 minutes.

Rafael Nadal scored his 56th Wimbledon victory.

With a boost on his side,  Rafa kicked off the second set with a break following a forehand crosscourt winner. The Spaniard held at 30 in game two and secured another break a few minutes later to forge a 3-0 advantage and rattle off eight straight games. Nadal served well in games four, six and eight to control the scoreboard and fired a backhand crosscourt winner at 5-2 to open a massive 6-1, 6-2 lead in 64 minutes. Rafa forced the rival's mistake with a powerful backhand and grabbed a break at the start of the third set to move closer to the finish line. Both players served well after that, as Sonego raised his level behind the initial shot to remain within one break deficit. The organizers closed the roof due to the darkness after the sixth game, and Nadal suddenly got broken at love in game eight to bring the rival back to 4-4. Rafa stayed calm and grabbed another break in game nine to build a 5-4 lead. The Spaniard fired a service winner in game ten to seal the deal and advance into the last 16. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/TOwSeEn

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