In a recent match at the Foro Italico, World No. 74 Zizou Bergs faced off against the legendary Rafael Nadal, acknowledging the mental challenge that comes with playing such a formidable opponent. Despite this, Bergs observed that Nadal’s usual level of play seemed to have dipped, stating that “his average level is not the same as before. He is also a little slower.”
The Belgian had the opportunity to take on the 10-time Rome champion in what could potentially be Nadal’s final appearance at the prestigious tournament. Bergs, who had to battle through two qualifying matches to reach the main draw in Rome, put up an impressive fight in the early stages of the match. In fact, he managed to claim the first set with a scoreline of 6-4, showing that he was not intimidated by the clay court maestro.
However, despite getting off to a strong start and putting himself in a position to secure a career-defining victory, Bergs struggled to maintain his momentum as the match progressed. Ultimately, Nadal managed to turn the tables and emerged victorious with a hard-fought 4-6 6-3 6-4 win.
Reflecting on his performance, Bergs highlighted the mental preparation required to face someone of Nadal’s caliber. He also spoke about the strategic considerations he had to make in order to counter the Spaniard’s powerful forehand. When asked about targeting Nadal’s backhand, Bergs shared his thoughts on the tactical choices he made during the match.
Overall, while Bergs may not have come out on top against the tennis legend, his valiant effort against Nadal serves as a testament to his talent and determination on the court. As he continues to hone his skills and gain valuable experience at the highest levels of the sport, it is clear that Bergs has a bright future ahead of him in the world of tennis.