RAFA NADAL took a step closer to a third Wimbledon crown after coming through a rain-interrupted second-round clash.
The No2 seed won a 16th major match in a row this year as he progressed 6-4 6-4 4-6 6-3 after more than three hours of play.
SW19 chiefs eventually decided to bring the roof across for the closing stages
Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis gave the 22-time Grand Slam champion a tougher battle than many had expected and will return home with the consolation of taking a set off the Spanish legend.
Yet both players had to rush off court with Nadal 3-0 up in the fourth set after a quick, violent shower dumped its contents over Centre Court.
The dark clouds over SW19 took the grounds staff by surprise and the umpire’s chair got soaked before the covers came across.
Singer Cliff Richard was in the stands but thankfully he did not have to entertain the crowd with a sing-song like he did many years ago when there was no roof.
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But as No1 Court got back under way with Britain’s Jack Draper facing Australian Alex De Minaur, Nadal and Berankis were still waiting backstage – with no explanation for the prolonged lateness.
Incredibly, it took more 50 MINUTES after rain had first started to fall before the two players were back on court.
The decision not to close the roof straightaway meant there was a longer than necessary gap and this was not a benefit to either player.
Indeed organisers made two poor decisions regarding the roof today: closing it for the first match with Katie Boulter versus Karolina Pliskova when it was not raining, and then keeping it open when it was wet in the second encounter.
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At least Nadal wrapped it up without the need for a fifth set and avoided the prospect of a major scare.
Nadal, who won the Wimbledon title in 2008 and 2010, is halfway towards a Calendar Slam, having triumphed already at this year’s Australian Open and French Open.
In the third round, he will face Italian Lorenzo Sonego and he said: “Every day is a challenge, all the opponents are tough. We are playing the best in the world.
“I haven’t played much on grass for three years. I am still going and I am happy for that.
“I need to improve. The fourth set was much better, a good level of tennis, the serve worked much better. Then I could play aggressively with the forehand.
“I have to accept that things aren’t perfect. I need to be humble and accept the challenge and think positive when things aren’t going well.”
Ricardas Berankis put up a valiant effort against the 22-time Grand Slam champ
Nadal was delighted to get the win over the line
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/tennis/37-psychiatrists-cocaine-and-infidelity-couldnt-cure-my-anger-problems-says-john-mcenroe-but-getting-older-did/
