Tennis News: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic began their Wimbledon preparations with straightforward exhibition victories at the Hurlingham Club.
Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic in London, showing no ill effects from nerve treatment on the chronic foot problem that plagued him during his French Open victory earlier this month.
Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 6-2, 6-1 in his first match since losing to Nadal in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros.
In his first match on grass since 2019, Nadal raced to a 5-1 lead after twice breaking Wawrinka’s serve in the first set, then won 6-2 in 30 minutes.
Wawrinka, who returned to action in March after missing most of 2021 due to two-foot surgeries, failed to convert a breakpoint in the first game of the second set and fell behind 3-1.
The three-time major champion from Switzerland broke Nadal’s serve in the fifth game, but the Spaniard was rarely troubled and won the match in just over an hour.
After undergoing a procedure to relieve nerve pain in his foot, Nadal announced at the end of last week that he intends to compete at Wimbledon for a third consecutive Grand Slam title.
Hey there, champ 👋#Wimbledon | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/p0Q3e8bEGs
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 22, 2022
“It has been a while without playing on grass,” said Nadal.
“Since 2019 I haven’t been able to play on grass through the tough moments we went through with the pandemic and last year I got injured. So I am excited to be back where we are today. It has always been a pleasure playing here in Hurlingham. It is special to be back.
“Honestly, I think it’s a good idea for me to play a couple of matches before the competition starts at Wimbledon.” I used to play a lot at Queen’s a long time ago now.
“I am older now – I can’t manage to play so many matches. For me, it is perfect to play a couple of matches here before Wimbledon starts. That helps me to feel at least some competition before Wimbledon.”
Six-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic faced a tougher test than the scoreline indicated against Auger-Aliassime.
The Serbian world No. 3 broke the Canadian twice in the first set, winning it 6-2 in 44 minutes.
In the second set, Auger-Aliassime failed to trouble Djokovic’s serve and was broken three more times as the former world number one won 6-1 in 28 minutes.
Wimbledon will begin on Monday, June 27.
After winning the Australian and French Opens, Nadal is attempting to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four majors in the same year.
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