The third match of the day saw former British No.1 Cameron Norrie pitted against the former world No.1 Rafael Nadal. The pair met 5 times before with Nadal leading 4-1.
A tightly fought first set started on serve for the first 6 games. It was the Spaniard who at 3-3 15-40 got the first of three break points. Norrie saved the first with a smash and the second with a serve return that went long. Nadal got third time lucky and clinched the game. He quickly consolidated that with a crucial hold to win the first set 6-4.
Rafael Nadal, 38, is appearing in Båstad for the first time since winning in 2005, picking up his 8th of 92 tour-level titles during his illustrious career.
The 5th seed Brit is coming off of a good run. He is seeking his 2nd clay win over a former world number 1, having beaten Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 Rio de Janeiro final.
The second set started with Nadal taking a tumble as his foot jammed in the clay. The medical team were briefly called. Norrie capitalised on the moment and broke early to lead 3-1. But Nadal never relents. He broke back to win the next 5 games to eventually win the set and the match 6-4 6-4.
Rafael Nadal, considered greatest of all time on this surface, next plays qualifier from Argentina Mariano Navone.
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