Montreal (AFP)

Spaniard Rafael Nadal, N.2 World, qualified for the round of 16 of the Montreal Masters 1000 Tournament, defeating British Daniel Evans (53) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, Wednesday, after three interruptions due to rain.

Nadal, defending champion and looking for a 35th record trophy in the Masters 1000, had to save two break points in the opening heat. Playing only his first match since his elimination in the semi-finals at Wimbledon after an anthology match against Roger Federer, and his second tournament after his 12th record-breaking at Roland-Garros, the Majorcan seemed in lack of competition, missing a lot of forehands - his strengths - when he lost his first serve.

Then, at 3-1 for Evans, both players were forced to return to the locker room because of the rain, for a brief interruption. Back on the court, the Briton marched on Nadal, climbing the net 20 times. But little by little, the N.2 world has regained confidence and precision.

In the decisive game, shortly after a second break, 30 minutes, Evans managed a mini break to lead 3/1 then 6/4. It was then that Nadal, the man with 18 major titles, made his class speak. Not only did he save two set balls, but he lined up four points to remove the initial round.

On his way, he led 2-0 in the next one before a 3rd interruption by the rain. On the return, Evans rebounded to return to 3-3 while taking the service of Nadal in the 6th game. But the Spaniard responded in the wake to lead 4-3, then 5-4 before concluding his first ball of match after 2:01 of exchanges.

© 2019 AFP