Nadal Battles Past Raonic, Gives Team Europe Commanding Lead At Laver Cup

Rafael Nadal avoided a post-US Open letdown at the Laver Cup in Geneva, weathering an aggressive performance from Milos Raonic to prevail 6-3, 7-6(1) and give Team Europe a commanding 7-3 lead over Team World on Saturday.

Nadal improved to 8-2 against Raonic in their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry and boosted his Laver Cup singles record to 2-1. Raonic was making his debut at this event. The Spaniard also increased his winning streak to 11 matches.

“Being here for me is a very positive energy. I like being around such a great team and the crowd is amazing,” Nadal said. “I feel very lucky [to win] the first set. I started to play better later in the match and I think I played a very good tie-break in the end.”

The Canadian was left to rue eight missed break point opportunities in Nadal’s first three service games of the match. Sensing his opponent’s frustration, Nadal applied further pressure at 3-3 and laced a backhand passing shot to earn the first break of the night. A backhand volley sent wide from Raonic two games later wrapped up the opening set.

Raonic earned his first break of the match at 2-2 in the second set and it appeared the momentum had shifted, but sound advice from Federer at the changeover allowed Nadal to refocus.

Roger’s turn ?@rogerfederer | @RafaelNadal | @LaverCup pic.twitter.com/b0x3761kxB

— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) September 21, 2019

“When you see a chance to come to the net, challenge him for a passing shot. You’re so good at the net,” Federer said. “Use spin, slice… you know, like in the old days!”

Nadal broke back in the next game with a delicate drop shot and backhand volley winner, throwing his fist in the air in approval. The set eventually moved to a tie-break and Nadal unleashed a barrage of forehand winners to take the first six points. A final winner from the Spaniard wrapped up play after two hours and seven minutes.

Read: Federer Uses Nadal Coaching To Defeat Kyrgios At Laver Cup